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CONSTRUCTIVE BIBLE STUDIES 

EDITED BY 

ERNEST DEWITT BURTON 



HEROES OF ISRAEL 



THEODORE GERALD SOARES 



^^^s^<.-oJ-^ . JU.h^:^^^'\^ , i^oCi, 



HEROES OF ISRAEL 



TEXT OF THE HERO STORIES WITH NOTES 
AND QUESTIONS FOR YOUNG STUDENTS 



BY 

THEODORE GERALD SOARES 

PROFESSOR OF HOMILETICS AND RELIGIOUS 
EDUCATION IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO 



^ 



Constructive Bible Studies 
elementary series 



CHICAGO 
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS 

1909 






LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

CLASS t^VXc'No. 



i.^0 ^^^ 



00P> 



Copyright 1908 By 
The University of Chicago 



Published January 1909 



Composed and Printed By 

The University of Chicago Press 

Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A. 






•/ 



TO 

MY FATHER 
MY FIRST HERO 



PREFACE 

It has seemed best to present these Hero Studies 
in two books, one being the present volume which is 
intended as a textbook for the students, the other 
being the teacher's manual with fuller explanations 
and suggestions. The necessary prefatory state- 
ments will be found in the respective books under the 
titles "Foreword to the Student" and "Foreword to 
the Teacher." 

This volume contains the text of the stories, with 
explanatory notes and questions intended to stimu- 
late study. Each lesson consists of a complete story 
arranged in such a way as to impress the main fea- 
tures of the narrative clearly upon the student's 
mind. The explanatory material is reduced to the 
minimum, since the main desire is to let the stories 
speak for themselves and not to burden the student 
with wearisome details. The three reviews divide 
the course into the three natural parts, the first 
extending to Christmas, the second to the end of 
March, the third, which is shorter, to the middle of 
June, when it is usually wise for the regular courses 
to end. 

The text of the British Revisers is used in the 
reprint of the stories with the consent and approval 
of the Oxford and Cambridge University presses. 



X PREFACE 

As the plan of simplifying the narratives involved 
certain verbal changes, it has seemed wise to go a 
step farther and to use the spellings which would be 
more familiar to American students. 

For constant suggestions as to form and method 
I am greatly indebted to my wife, who has taught 
the lessons from advance sheets to a class of boys. 
It is a pleasure to acknowledge the valuable counsel 
of Professor E. D. Burton, the editor of the series, 
and especially that of Professor J. M. P. Smith, 
who at Professor Burton's request, and to my own 
great satisfaction, assumed the editorial responsi- 
bility of reading the manuscript, and gave me the 
benefit of his ripe scholarship and judgment. 

T. G. S. 

July 29, 1908 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Foreword to the Student xv 

CHAPTER 

I. Abraham, the Father of the Faithful i 

II. Abraham, the Magnanimous .... 9 

III. Abraham and Isaac 16 

IV. Jacob, the Clever 29 

V. Israel, the Godly 41 

VI. Joseph, the Slave 51 

VII. Joseph, the Ruler 60 

VIII. Joseph, the Generous 70 

IX. Moses' Early Life 85 

X. Moses' Commission 94 

XI. Moses, the Deliverer 104 

XII. Moses, the Lawgiver 117 

XIII. Review: The Heroes of Israel's Wan- 

derings 129 

XIV. Jos,HUA and Caleb 135 

XV. Gideon, the Warrior . / . . . . 147 

XVI. Samson, the Strong Man . . . . 158 

XVII. Ruth, the Foreigner 171 

XVIII. Samuel and Eli 187 

XIX. Samuel and Saul 200 

XX. Jonathan's Victory 211 

XXI. David and the Giant 223 

XXII. The Hero Friends, David and Jonathan 237 

XXIII. David, the Outlaw 247 

xi 



xii CONTENTS 

XXIV. David, the Kjng 260 

XXV. David and His Rebel Son . . . .270 

XXVI. Review: Ten Heroes of Israel . . 283 

XXVII. Solomon, the Wise King ..... 289 

XXVIII. Elijah, the Champion of Pure Religion 303 

XXIX. Elijah, the Champion of Justice . . 317 

XXX. Elisha, the Healer and Counselor . 328 

XXXI. Nehemiah, the Builder 339 

XXXII. Esther, the Patriot Queen .... 351 

XXXIII. Judas, the Hammerer 364 

XXXIV. Daniel and His Friends 373 

XXXV. Review: Seven Heroic Names . . . 385 



MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS 



PAGE 



Map of the Semitic World Frontispiece 

A Caravan in Palestine 5 

Map of Canaan opposite 47 

The Seal of the Grand Vizier of Ramses II . . . 66 

Portrait Statues of Ramses II 88 

Oriental Sandals 95 

Brick-making in Egypt 102 

Moses 118 

Winnowing Grain 179 

A Philistine 212 

David 226 

Cedars of Lebanon 294 

Esther's Palace 357 



FOREWORD TO THE STUDENT 

1. We are to study the heroes of Israel. What is 
a hero ? We use this word of the chief character in a 
book or of one who does a very noble deed. It is 
also applied to the great men of the past, who have 
done deeds that have made their names famous in 
story and who have been the makers of nations. 
Call to mind some American heroes. 

2. Why should we study the heroes of Israel? 
For three reasons: (i) The stories are very inter- 
esting and full of adventure. (2) Israel played a 
most important part in the world's history. The 
Jews, who now represent Israel, are no longer a 
nation, and unhappily they are often very badly 
treated, but they have many noble qualities. We 
owe some of the best things in our modern civiliza- 
tion to the men of old Israel. We shall find a great 
value in reading their story. (3) The questions of 
duty and religion that often puzzle us are very old 
questions. They came to these men thousands of 
years ago. We shall find them clearer to us as we 
read how the old heroes struggled with their difficulties. 

3. How shall we study ? The stories of the heroes 
are in the Old Testament, but in order to bring them 
together, and to separate them from other matter 
which is less profitable for young people to study 
they have been reprinted in this book. Most of the 



xvi FOREWORD TO THE STUDENT 

more difficult names have been omitted, together 
with everything that would take from the interest 
in the story. Each chapter is divided into three 
parts: The Story, The Meaning of the Story, and 
the Written Review. In preparing the lesson, the 
story should be read through first. It would be a 
very good plan to read it aloud to someone. Then 
take up the suggestions in the second part of the 
lesson, one at a time, and look up the sections of the 
story to find answers to the questions. When special 
Scripture references are given look them up, and 
use the maps whenever directions are given to that 
effect. When you have finished the study read the 
whole story through again and be sure that you under- 
stand it. 

The Written Review is very important. Have a 
notebook in which you will write the review stories 
every week. The best time to write the review story 
is soon after the meeting of the class, while the lesson 
is still fresh in memory. Always read the story of 
the hero again before you write the review. Keep 
the notebook neat. It is a good plan to write the 
exercise in pencil first and then copy it into the 
book in ink. At the end of the year you will have 
a good-sized book full of your own hero stories. 

A careful study of these lessons will make you 
acquainted with a score of the mighty men of the 
past. Many of them you will wish to keep as life- 
long friends. 



ABRAHAM 

I. Abraham, the Father of the Faithful 
II. Abraham, the Magnanimous 
III. Abraham and Isaac 



I. ABRAHAM, THE FATHER OF THE 
FAITHFUL 

THE STORY 
§1. The Old Home of Abraham (Gen. 11:31) 
Terah took Abraham his son, and Lot the son of 
Haran, his son's son, and Sarah his daughter-in-law, 
his son Abraham's wife; and they went forth with 
them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of 
Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there, 
and Terah died in Haran. 

§2. The Journey Westward (Gen. 12:1-5) 
Now the Lord said unto Abraham, " Get thee out 
of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy 
father's house, unto the land that I will show thee: 
and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless 
thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a bless- 
ing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and him 
that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all 
the families of the earth be blessed." 

So Abraham went, as the Lord had spoken unto 
him; and Lot went with him: and Abraham was 
seventy and five years old when he departed out of 
Haran. And Abraham took Sarah his wife, and Lot 
his brother's son, and all their substance that they 
had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in 

3 



4 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of 
Canaan: and into the land of Canaan they came. 

§3. Abraham's Altars (Gen. 12:6-9) 
And Abraham passed through the land unto the 
place of Shechem, unto the oak of Moreh. And the 
Canaanite was then in the land. 

And the Lord appeared unto Abraham and said, 
"Unto thy seed will I give this land." And there 
built he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared 
unto him. 

And he removed from thence unto the mountain 
on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having 
Beth-el on the west, and Ai on the east : and there he 
built an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the 
name of the Lord. And Abraham journeyed, going 
on still toward the South. 

§4. A Test of Courage (Gen. 12:10-20) 
And there was a famine in the land : and Abraham 
went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the 
famine was sore in the land. And it came to pass, 
when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he 
said unto Sarah his wife, "Behold now, I know that 
thou art a fair woman to look upon : and it shall come 
to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they 
shall say, ' This is his wife ' : and they will kill me, 
but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou 
art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy 
sake, and that my soul may live because of thee." 



ABRAHAM, FATHER OF THE FAITHFUL 5 

And it came to pass, that, when Abraham was 
come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman 
that she was very fair. And the princes of Pharaoh 
saw her, and praised her to Pharaoh; and the woman 
was taken into Pharaoh's house. And he treated 
Abraham well for her sake: and he had sheep, and 
oxen, and he-asses, and menservants, and maidserv* 



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A CARAVAN IN PALESTINE 

ants, and she-asses, and camels. And the Lord 
plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues 
because of Sarah Abraham's wife. 

And Pharaoh called Abraham, and said, "What 
is this that thou hast done unto me ? why didst thou 
not tell me that she was thy wife ? Why saidst thou, 
She is my sister ? so that I took her to be my wife : 
now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy 
way." 



O HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And Pharaoh gave men charge concerning him: 
and they brought him on the way, and his wife, and 
all that he had. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

1 (§i). We begin with the man to whom Israel looked back 
as their first great hero. What was his name? What was 
his father's name ? 

2 (§i). Where did he come from? Look at the map of 
the Semitic world. You will see two great rivers which join 
and then flow into the Persian Gulf. It is not always possible 
to know where ancient cities were located, but it is supposed 
that Ur may have been on the Euphrates near the point where 
the rivers join. It is called Ur of the Chaldees, because people 
of that name lived there. Terah therefore came from the 
very old country of Babylonia, which was rich and fertile 
because it was in the valley of the two rivers. What American 
river has a rich country in all its wide valley ? 

3 (§i). What route would be taken to go from Ur to 
Canaan? If you lay a ruler on the map you will see that 
Jerusalem is almost directly west of Ur. They lay about six 
hundred miles apart. But there was a very good reason why 
they could not travel right across that way. What kind of 
country would they have had to pass through ? They had to 
follow the river for nearly the same distance in a northwesterly 
direction. This would bring them to a very rich country 
where it seems they stopped for some time and where Terah 
died. What was its name ? 

4 (§2). Evidently most of Terah' s tribe were satisfied to 
stay in Haran, but Abraham felt a great stir in him to continue 
the journey to the West land. He believed that God wanted 
him to go there and to become the founder of a great nation 
that should serve Jehovah. This feeling became so strong 
that at last it was clear to him that the Lord was calling him. 



ABRAHAM, FATHER OF THE FAITHFUL 7 

Learn the beautiful passage of the Call of Abraham (Gen. 
12: 1-3) so that you can recite it. 

5 (§2). What route would Abraham take from Haran to 
Canaan? Let us look at the map again. There was a 
caravan road that ran from Haran west across the river, then 
it turned south and came down through the country of Syria 
to a very ancient city. Abraham's chief servant came from 
this city (Gen. 15:2). The road still runs south and then 
crosses the river Jordan into Palestine. 

6 (§2). How long would such a journey take? There 
were no railroads and there are still very few in that country. 
Travel was very slow. We have an account in Ezra 7:9 of 
how long it took a company to make the journey from Babylon 
long afterward. But Abraham's company would move more 
slowly, for we must think of him as traveling with a great 
many animals and servants and children. It was very much 
as the Arab tribes move about today. 

7 (§2). Think of what Abraham left behind when he obeyed 
God's voice and came into the strange land. What company 
of people in American history felt that God called them to 
leave their own country and come into the new land? Is it 
always safe to obey God? Look up Gal. 3:9 and Heb. 
11:8-10 and see why Abraham is called "The Father of the 
Faithful." 

8 (§3)- What promise did God give Abraham after he 
came to Canaan ? What places did Abraham visit ? Locate 
them on the map of Canaan. What religious act did he 
perform wherever he went? What act is the same in our 
lives ? 

9 (§4). Abraham's numerous sheep and cattle required 
him to journey from place to place. Why was this? Why 
would dry weather cause him trouble ? Notice on the map 
that when the famine came he was in the south of Palestine. 
It was only a short journey west to reach a very rich country, 



8 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

which lay in the valley of a great river. Name the country 
and its river and explain why there was no drought there. 

10 (§4). We shall often notice that the old heroes did 
wrong. Tell the story of Abraham's visit to Egypt. What 
do you think of his conduct? If we knew only this part of 
Abraham's story we should not call him a hero. Ought we 
then to judge anyone by a single act ? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short story with the following points: 

1. Why Abraham came to the new land. 

2. The possessions that he had. 

3. The way that he journeyed. 

4. What he built wherever he went. 

5. The name that has been given him. 



II. ABRAHAM, THE MAGNANIMOUS 
THE STORY 

§5. Abraham's Treatment of Lot (Gen., chap. 13) 

And Abraham went out of Egypt, he, and his wife, 
and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the South. 
And Abraham was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in 
gold. And he went on his journeys from the South 
even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had 
been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Ai; 
unto the place of the altar, which he had made there 
at the first : and there Abraham called on the name 
of the Lord. 

And Lot also, who went with Abraham, had flocks, 
and herds, and tents. And the land was not able 
to bear them, that they might dwell together: for 
their substance was great, so that they could not 
dwell together. And there was a strife between the 
herdmen of Abraham's cattle and the herdmen of 
Lot's cattle. 

And Abraham said unto Lot, "Let there be no 
strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between 
my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we are brethren. 
Is not the whole land before thee ? separate thyself, 
I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, 
then I will go to the right ; or if thou take the right 
hand, then I will go to the left." 

9 



10 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the 
Plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, 
before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, 
like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, 
as thou goest unto Zoar. So Lot chose him all the 
Plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they 
separated themselves the one from the other. Abra- 
ham dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt 
in the cities of the Plain, and moved his tent as far 
as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked and 
sinners against the Lord exceedingly. 

And the Lord said unto Abraham, after that Lot 
was separated from him, "Liit up now thine eyes, and 
look from the place where thou art, northward and 
southward and eastward and westward: for all the 
land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to 
thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the 
dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the 
dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be num- 
bered. Arise, walk through the land in the length 
of it and in the breadth of it; for unto thee will I 
give it." 

And Abraham moved his tent, and came and dwelt 
by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and 
built there an altar unto the Lord. 

§6. Abraham's Deliverance of Lot (Gen. 14:10-24) 

And there came five kings from the East and made 
war against the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. 



ABRAHAM, THE MAGNANIMOUS n 

And the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and 
they fell there, and they that remained fled to the 
mountain. And they took all the goods of Sodom 
and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their 
way. And they took Lot, Abraham's brother's son, 
who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. 

And there came one that had escaped, and told 
Abraham the Hebrew: now he dwelt by the oaks 
of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and 
brother of Aner; and these were confederate with 
Abraham. And when Abraham heard that his 
brother was taken captive, he led forth his trained 
men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, 
and pursued as far as Dan. And he divided himself 
against them by night, he and his servants, and 
smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which 
is on the left hand of Damascus. And he brought 
back all the goods, and also brought again his brother 
Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the 
people. 

And the king of Sodom went out to meet him, after 
his return from the slaughter of the kings. And 
Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and 
wine: and he was priest of God Most High. And 
he blessed him and said, "Blessed be Abraham of 
God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth : and 
blessed be God Most High, which hath delivered 
thine enemies into thy hand." And he gave him a 
tenth of all. 



12 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And the king of Sodom said unto Abraham, " Give 
me the persons, and take the goods to thyself." 

And Abraham said to the king of Sodom, " I have 
lifted up mine hand unto the Lord, God Most High, 
possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take 
a thread nor a shoelatchet nor aught that is thine, 
lest thou shouldst say, I have made Abraham rich: 
save only that which the young men have eaten, and 
the portion of the men which went with me; Aner, 
Eshcol, and Mamre, let them take their portion." 

§7. Abraham's Prayer for Sodom (Gen. 
18:17-32; 19:29) 

And the Lord said, " Shall I hide from Abraham 
that which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely be- 
come a great and mighty nation, and all the nations 
of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I have 
known him, to the end that he may command his 
children and his household after him, that they may 
keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and 
justice; to the end that the Lord may bring upon 
Abraham that which he hath spoken of him." 

And the Lord said, ''Because the cry of Sodom 
and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very 
grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they 
have done altogether according to the cry of it, which 
is come unto me; and if not, I will know." 

And Abraham drew near, and said, "Wilt thou 
consume the righteous with the wicked ? Perad- 



ABRAHAM, THE MAGNANIMOUS 13 

venture there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt 
thou consume and not spare the place for the fifty 
righteous that are therein ? That be far from thee 
to do after this manner, to slayithe righteous with 
the wicked, that so the righteous should be as the 
wicked; that be far from thee: shall not the Judge 
of all the earth do right ?" 

And the Lord said, "If I find in Sodom fifty 
righteous within the city, then I will spare all the 
place for their sake." 

And Abraham answered and said, " Behold now, 
I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which 
am but dust and ashes : peradventure there shall lack 
five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the 
city for lack of five ?" 

And he said, " I will not destroy it, if I find there 
forty and five." 

And he spake unto him yet again, and said, " Per- 
adventure there shall be forty found there." 

And he said, "I will not do it for the forty's 
sake." 

And he said, '' Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I 
will speak : peradventure there shall thirty be found 
there." 

And he said, "I will not do it if I find thirty 
there." 

And he said, " Behold now, I have taken upon me 
to speak unto the Lord : peradventure there shall be 
twenty found there." 



14 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And he said, " I will not destroy it for the twenty's 
sake." 

And he said, " Oh let not the Lord be angry, and 
I will speak yet but this once: perad venture ten shall 
be found there." 

And he said, "I will not destroy it for the ten's 
sake." 

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the 
cities of the Plain, that God remembered Abraham, 
and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when 
he overthrew the cities in which Lot dwelt. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

11 (§5). Follow Abraham's journey back from Egypt along 
the coast road. He reached the district in Southern Canaan 
that was called "the South." What wealth did he have? 
What would he need for his cattle ? Notice how this caused 
him to journey from place to place. 

12 (§5). On the western plains of America there have been 
disputes between the cattle men over the rights of grazing. 
The big men have driven the little men away. Tell the story 
of this old dispute in Canaan. What plan of setdement did 
Abraham suggest? How did Lot behave in the matter? 
What good result came to Abraham ? 

13 (§5). Look up the word ''magnanimous." Could it be 
applied to Abraham ? Have you ever known an act that was 
magnanimous ? 

14 (§6). Kings in old times used to make war on their neigh- 
bors just for the purpose of stealing their goods. This is the 
story of one of those plundering expeditions that was made 
against the country near the Dead Sea. Who had chosen 
that country for his residence? What was the result of the 



ABRAHAM, THE MAGNANIMOUS 15 

invasion ? How did Abraham hear of it ? How many young 
men did he have in his service ? What does this show of the 
size of his camp ? What did Abraham do ? 

15 (§6). What did Abraham do with the spoil that he cap- 
tured ? Was this magnanimous ? 

16 (§6). Compare Abraham's conduct with that of the 
United States in Cuba. 

17 (§6). Abraham gave back the property that he had 
rescued: what should we do with property that we find ? 

18 (§7). Men of old loved to think of God appearing to 
them and talking to them. It is a beautiful picture of the silent 
message that comes to our hearts. What does Abraham learn 
is to happen to the wicked city of Sodom ? 

19 (§7). Is Abraham magnanimous in pleading for Sodom ? 
What do the Lord's replies to Abraham's prayers teach us? 

20 (§7). What happened to Sodom? Was Abraham's 
prayer answered ? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a little story with the following points: 

1. The quarrel of the herdsmen. 

2. What the quarrel might have led to. 

3. Abraham's plan for peace. 

4. The meaning of "magnanimous" and why you think 
Abraham was so. 



III. ABRAHAM AND ISAAC 

THE STORY 

§8. Abraham's Devotion (Gen. 21:2,3; 22:1-19) 

A. THE SACRIFICE OF THE FIRSTBORN 

And Sarah bare Abraham a son in his old age, at 
the set time of which God had spoken unto him. 
And Abraham called the name of his son Isaac. 
And the child grew. And it came to pass, that God 
did prove Abraham and said unto him, "Abraham." 

And he said, ''Here am I." 

And he said, ''Take now thy son, thine only son, 
whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the 
land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt 
offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell 
thee of." 

And Abraham rose early in the morning, and sad- 
dled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, 
and Isaac his son; and he clave the wood for the 
burnt offering, and rose up, and went into the place 
of which God had told him. On the third day Abra- 
ham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. 

And Abraham said unto his young men, "Abide 
ye here with the ass, and I and the lad will go yonder; 
and we will worship, and come again to you." 

And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering 
and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took in his 

16 



ABRAHAM AND ISAAC i? 

hand the fire and the knife; and they went both of 
them together. 

And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and 
said, "My father." 

And he said, "Here am I, my son." 

And he said, "Behold, the fire and the wood: 
but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" 

And Abraham said, " God will provide himself 
the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." 

So they went both of them together. And they 
came to the place which God had told him of; and 
Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in 
order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the 
altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth 
his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 

B. THE DIVINE INTERFERENCE 

And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of 
heaven, and said, "Abraham." 

And he said, "Here am I." 

And he said, " Lay not thine hand upon the lad, 
neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know 
that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld 
thy son, thine only son, from me." 

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and 
behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by 
his horns : and Abraham went and took the ram, and 
offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his 
son. And Abraham called the name of that place 



1 8 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Jehovah-jireh : as it is said to this day, "In the 
mount of the Lord it shall be provided." 

And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham 
a second time out of heaven, and said, "By myself 
have I sworn, saith the Lord, because thou hast done 
this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only 
son: that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multi- 
plying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the 
heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; 
and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 
and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be 
blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." 

So Abraham returned unto his young men, and 
they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba; and 
Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba. 

§9. The Selection of Isaac's Wife (Gen., chap. 24) 

A. THE COMMISSION OF THE SERVANT 

And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: 
and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. 
And Abraham said unto his servant, the elder of his 
house, that ruled over all that he had, " Swear by the 
Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, 
that thou shalt not take a wife for my son of the 
daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: 
but thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kin- 
dred, and take a wife for my son Isaac." 

And the servant said unto him, " Peradventure the 
woman will not be willing to follow me unto this 



ABRAHAM AND ISAAC 19 

land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the 
land from whence thou camest ?" 

And Abraham said unto him, ''Beware thou that 
thou bring not my son thither again. The Lord, the 
God of heaven, that took me from my father's house, 
and from the land of my nativity, and that spake unto 
me and that sware unto me, saying, 'Unto thy seed 
will I give this land,' he shall send his angel before 
thee, and thou shalt take a wife for my son from 
thence. And if the woman be not willing to follow 
thee, thou shalt be clear from this my oath; only 
thou shalt not bring my son thither again." 

And the servant sware to Abraham his master 
concerning this matter. 

B. THE MEETING WITH REBEKAH 

And the servant took ten camels, of the camels of 
his master, and departed; having all goodly things 
of his master's in his hand: and he arose, and went to 
Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. And he made 
the camels to kneel down without the city by the well 
of water at the time of evening, the time that women 
go out to draw water. 

And he said, "O Lord, the God of my master 
Abraham, send me, I pray thee, good speed this day, 
and show kindness unto my master Abraham. Be- 
hold, I stand by the fountain of water; and the 
daughters of the men of the city come out to draw 
water: and let it come to pass, that the damsel to 



20 HEROES OF ISRAEL ' 

whom I shall say, 'Let down thy pitcher, I pray 
thee, that I may drink;' and she shall say, 'Drink, 
and I will give thy camels drink also ' : let the same 
be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; 
and thereby shall I know that thou hast showed kind- 
ness unto my master." 

And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, 
that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to 
Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abra- 
ham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. 
And the damsel was very fair to look upon; and she 
went down to the fountain, and filled her pitcher, 
and came up. 

And the servant ran to meet her, and said, "Give 
me to drink, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher." 

And she said, "Drink, my lord": and she hasted, 
and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave 
him drink. And when she had done giving him 
drink, she said, "I will draw for thy camels also, 
until they have done drinking." And she hasted, and 
emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again 
unto the well to draw, and drew for all his camels. 

And the man looked stedfastly on her; holding his 
peace, to know whether the Lord had made his jour- 
ney prosperous or not. And it came to pass, as the 
camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden 
ring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her 
hands of ten shekels weight of gold, and said, 
" Whose daughter art thou ? tell me, I pray thee. 



ABRAHAM AND ISAAC 21 

Is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge 
in?" 

And she said unto him, ''I am the daughter of 
Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Na- 
hor." She said moreover unto him, '^ We have both 
straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in." 

And the man bowed his head, and worshipped the 
Lord. And he said, "Blessed be the Lord, the God 
of my master Abraham, who hath not forsaken his 
mercy and his truth toward my master: as for me, 
the Lord hath led me in the way to the house of my 
master's brethren." 

C. THE BETROTHAL OF ISAAC AND REBEKAH 

And the damsel ran, and told her mother's house 
according to these words. And Rebekah had a 
brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran 
out unto the man, unto the fountain. And it came 
to pass, when he saw the ring, and the bracelets upon 
his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of 
Rebekah his sister, saying, "Thus spake the man 
unto me;" that he came unto the man; and, behold, 
he stood by the camels at the fountain. 

And he said, " Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; 
wherefore standest thou without ? for I have pre- 
pared the house, and room for the camels." 

And the man came into the house, and he ungirded 
the camels; and he gave straw and provender for the 
camels, and water to wash his feet and the men's 



22 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

feet that were with him. And there was set meat 
before him to eat. 

But he said, " I will not eat, until I have told mine 
errand." 

And Laban said, ''Speak on," 

And he said, "I am Abraham's servant. And the 
Lord hath blessed my master greatly; and he is be- 
come great : and he hath given him flocks and herds, 
and silver and gold, and menservants and maidserv- 
ants, and camels, and asses. And Sarah my mas- 
ter's wife bare a son to my master when she was old : 
and unto him hath he given all that he hath. And 
my master made me swear, saying, 'Thou shalt 
not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the 
Canaanites, in whose land I dwell: but thou shalt 
go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and 
take a wife for my son.' And I said unto my mas- 
ter, ' Perad venture the woman will not follow me.' 
And he said unto me, 'The Lord, before whom I 
walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy 
way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my 
kindred, and of my father's house: then shalt thou 
be clear from my oath, when thou comest to my 
kindred; and if they give her not to thee, thou shalt 
be clear from my oath.' 

"And I came this day unto the fountain, and said, 
'O Lord, the God of my master Abraham, if now 
thou do prosper my way which I go : behold, I stand 
by the fountain of water; and let it come to pass, that 



ABRAHAM AND ISAAC 23 

the maiden which cometh forth to draw, to whom I 
shall say, Give me, I pray thee a little water of thy 
pitcher to drink; and she shall say to me, Both 
drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let 
the same be the woman whom the Lord hath ap- 
pointed for my master's son.' And before I had 
done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came 
forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she 
went down unto the fountain, and drew : and I said 
unto her, 'Let me drink, I pray thee.' And she 
made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoul- 
der, and said, 'Drink, and I will give thy camels 
drink also.' So I drank, and she made the camels 
drink also. And I asked her and said, 'Whose 
daughter art thou ? ' And she said, ' The daughter 
of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto 
him.' And I put the ring upon her nose, and the 
bracelets upon her hands. And I bowed my head, 
and worshipped the Lord, and blessed the Lord, the 
God of my master Abraham, which had led me 
in the right way to take my master's brother's 
daughter for his son. And now if ye will deal kindly 
and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; 
that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left." 

Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, 
"The thing proceedeth from the Lord: we cannot 
speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is 
before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy 
master's son's wife, as the Lord hath spoken." 



24 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant 
heard their words, he bowed himself down to the 
earth unto the Lord. And the servant brought 
forth jewels of silver and jewels of gold, and raiment, 
and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her 
brother and to her mother precious things. And 
they did eat and drink, he and the men that were 
with him, and tarried all night ; and they rose up in 
the morning, and he said, ''Send me away unto my 
master." 

And her brother and her mother said, "Let the 
damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; 
after that she shall go." 

And he said unto them, "Hinder me not, seeing 
the Lord hath prospered my way; send me away 
that I may go to my master." 

And they said, "We will call the damsel, and 
inquire at her mouth." 

And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, 
"Wilt thou go with this man?" 

And she said, "I will go." 

And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her 
nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men. And 
they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, "Our 
sister, be thou the mother of thousands of ten thou- 
sands, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which 
hate them." 

And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they 
rode upon the camels, and followed the man: 



ABRAHAM AND ISAAC 25 

and 'the servant took Rebekah, and went his 
way. 

D. THE MARRIAGE 

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the 
eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, 
behold, there were camels coming. 

And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw 
Isaac, she lighted off the camel. And she said unto 
the servant, "What man is this that walketh in the 
field to meet us?" 

And the servant said, "It is my master." And 
she took her veil, and covered herself. 

And the servant told Isaac all the things that he 
had done. And Isaac brought her into his mother 
Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his 
wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted 
after his mother's death. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

21. What promise had been made repeatedly to Abraham ? 
But he had grown old and was still without a son. Yet the 
Lord repeated the promise and Abraham believed. At last 
to his great joy the son was born. It makes a man's life strong 
to believe that God will fulfil his promise. Faith and goodness 
are very near together (Gen. 15:6). A good boy believes his 
parents: surely he can believe God. 

22 (§8A). In order to understand this story we must con- 
sider a strange and fearful custom of the old times. Read 
II Kings 3:26, 27, and note the awful sacrifice that a king, 
who was seeking help, made to his heathen god. The ancients 
felt that God ought to have the best that man has. They had 



26 HEROES OF ISEAEL 

not learned that he is loving and good, wishing our best to be 
given to him in loving service and not killed in sacrifice. 

23 (§8A). Abraham knew that it was the custom of his 
neighbors to show their loyalty to their gods by killing their 
oldest sons. He was most anxious to do what God would 
wish, so what would he naturally think that he ought to do ? 
Is a man wicked if he does what he thinks is right ? But if he 
is pure in his motive and is very anxious to know what is right, 
he will often come to the truth. This story shows how God 
led Abraham to know what he really wanted of him. 

24 (§8). It is a very striking story. Picture the scenes: 
(i) The long journey: who went? (2) Abraham and Isaac 
alone: what did Isaac ask ? What was Abraham's confidence 
in God? (3) The preparation for the sacrifice. (4) The 
wonderful interference: what did this teach Abraham ? What 
was the promise that was repeated ? 

25 (§8). Men have often used wrong methods, thinking to 
please God. What did the Puritans do to the witches ? But 
the Puritans were good men, anxious to do right, and they soon 
learned that they had been wrong. It is not enough for us 
to be willing to do right. We must try hard to find out what 
is right. 

26 (§9A), This section is a long one, but is full of interest 
and need not detain us for special study. It is the charming 
story of an old-time wooing. Parents often arranged the 
marriages of their children in those days as they do in many 
countries today. Abraham had a trusted servant who man- 
aged his business for him. What did he ask the servant to 
promise ? 

27 (§9B). Mesopotamia means "between the rivers." 
Locate it between the two rivers of Abraham's old country. 
Recall Abraham's journey (5, 6, §2) and trace the servant's 
journey. 

28 (§9B). Tell the story of the meeting with Rebekah. 



ABRAHAM AND ISAAC 27 

29 (§9C). Tell the story of the betrothal. Notice that the 
betrothal took place although Isaac was not there. 

30 (§9D). Tell the story of the marriage. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a story with the following points: 

1. The old custom of sacrificing children. 

2. How God taught Abraham that he did not wish children 
to be killed. 



JACOB-ISRAEL 



IV. Jacob, the Clever 
V. Israel, the Godly 



IV. JACOB, THE CLEVER 

THE STORY 

§10. The Purchase of the Birthright (Gen. 25:25-34) 

Isaac and Rebekah had two sons who were twins. 
The first was red, all over like a hairy garment; and 
they called his name Esau, and the name of his 
brother was called Jacob. 

And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning 
hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain 
man, dwelling in tents. Now Isaac loved Esau, 
because he did eat of his venison: and Rebekah 
loved Jacob. 

And Jacob boiled pottage : and Esau came in from 
the field, and he was faint: and Esau said to Jacob, 
"Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; 
for I am faint." 

And Jacob said, " Sell me this day thy birthright." 

And Esau said, "Behold, I am at the point to 
die: and what profit shall the birthright do to 
me?" 

And Jacob said, " Swear to me this day." 

And he sware unto him : and he sold his birthright 
unto Jacob. And Jacob gave Esau bread and pot- 
tage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose 
up, and went his way: so Esau despised his birth- 



right. 



31 



32 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

§11. The Deception of Isaac (Gen. 27:1-45) 
A. ISAAC'S COMMISSION TO ESAU 

And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and 
his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called 
Esau his elder son, and said unto him, ''My son." 

And he said unto him, "Here am I." 

And he said, "Behold now, I am old, I know not 
the day of my death. Now therefore take, I pray 
thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and 
go out to the field, and take me venison; and make 
me savory meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, 
that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I 
die." 

And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau 
his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for 
venison, and to bring it. 

B. rebekah' S SCHEME 

And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, 
"Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy 
brother, saying, 'Bring me venison, and make me 
savory meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before 
the Lord before my death.' Now therefore, my son, 
obey my voice according to that which I command 
thee. Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence 
two good kids of the goats; and I will make them 
savory meat for thy father, such as he loveth: and 
thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he may eat, 
so that he may bless thee before his death." 



JACOB, THE CLEVER 33 

And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, " Behold, 
Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth 
man. My father peradventure will feel me, and I 
shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring 
a curse upon me, and not a blessing." 

And his mother said unto him, "Upon me be thy 
curse, my son : only obey my voice, and go fetch me 
them." 

And he went, and fetched, and brought them to his 
mother: and his mother made savory meat, such as 
his father loved. And Rebekah took the goodly 
garments of Esau her elder son, which were with her 
in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger 
son: and she put the skins of the kids of the goats 
upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck: 
and she gave the savory meat and the bread, which 
she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. 

c. Jacob's deception 

And he came unto his father, and said, "My 
father." 

And he said, "Here am I; who art thou, my 
son?" 

And Jacob said unto his father, "I am Esau thy 
firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: 
arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy 
soul may bless me." 

And Isaac said unto his son, "How is it that thou 
hast found it so quickly, my son ?"- 



34 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And he said, "Because the Lord thy God sent me 
good speed." 

And Isaac said unto Jacob, " Come near, T pray 
thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether thou be 
my very son Esau or not." 

And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father; and 
he felt him, and said, ''The voice is Jacob's voice, 
but the hands are the hands of Esau." And he dis- 
cerned him not, because his hands were hairy, as his 
brother Esau's hands: so he blessed him. And he 
said, ''Art thou my very son Esau ?" 

And he said, "lam." 
. And he said, "Bring it near to me, and I will eat 
of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee." 
And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: 
and he brought him wine, and he drank. And his 
father Isaac said unto him, "Come near now, and 
kiss me, my son." And he came near, and kissed 
him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and 
blessed him, and said. 

See, the smell of my son 

Is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath 

blessed : 
And God give thee of the dew of heaven, 
And of the fatness of the earth. 
And plenty of corn and wine: 
Let peoples serve thee, 
And nations bow down to thee: 
Be lord over thy brethren, 



JACOB, THE CLEVER 35 

And let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: 

Cursed be every one that curseth thee. 

And blessed be every one that blesseth thee. 

D. ESAU'S DISAPPOINTMENT 

And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an 
end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone 
out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau 
his brother came in from his hunting. And he also 
made savory meat, and brought it unto his father; 
and he said unto his father, " Let my father arise, and 
eat of his son's venison, that thy soul may bless 
me." 

And Isaac his father said unto him, "Who art 
thou?" 

And he said, "I am thy son, thy firstborn, Esau." 

And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, 
" Who then is he that hath taken venison, and brought 
it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, 
and have blessed him ? yea, and he shall be blessed." 

When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried 
with an exceeding great and bitter cry, and said 
unto his father, "Bless me, even me also, O my 
father." 

And he said, "Thy brother came with guile, and 
hath taken away thy blessing." 

And he said, "Is not he rightly named Jacob? 
for he hath supplanted me these two times : he took 
away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken 



36 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

away my blessing. Hast thou not reserved a blessing 
forme?" 

And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, " Behold, 
I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have 
I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine 
have I sustained him: and what then shall I do 
for thee, my son ? 

And Esau said unto his father, "Hast thou but 
one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, 
O my father." 

And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. And 
Isaac his father answered and said unto him. 

Behold of the fatness of the earth shall be thy 

dwelling, 
And of the dew of heaven from above; 
And by thy sword shalt thou live, and thou shalt 

serve thy brother; 
And it shall come to pass when thou shalt break 

loose. 
That thou shalt shake his yoke from off thy 
neck. 

E. ESAU'S HATRED 

And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing 
wherewith his father blessed him : and Esau said in 
his heart, ''The days of mourning for my father are 
at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob." 

And the words of Esau her elder son were told to 
Rebekah ; and she sent and called Jacob her younger 



JACOB, THE CLEVER 37 

son, and said unto him, "Behold, thy brother Esau, 
as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing 
to kill thee. Now, therefore, my son, obey my voice; 
and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran; 
and tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's 
fury turn away; until thy brother's anger turn away 
from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done 
to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: 
why should I be bereaved of you both in one day ?" 

§12. The Dream of the Heavenly Ladder (Gen. 28 : 10-22) 

And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went 
toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, 
and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; 
and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it 
under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep. 
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the 
earth, and the top of it reached to heaven : and be- 
hold the angels of God ascending and descending on 
it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, 
" I am the Lord, the God of Abraham thy father, and 
the God of Isaac : the land whereon thou Hest, to thee 
will I give it, and to thy seed ; and thy seed shall be 
as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad 
to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to 
the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the 
famiUes of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am 
with thee, and will keep thee whithersoever thou goest, 
and will bring thee again into this land; for I will 



38 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

not leave thee, until I have done that which I have 
spoken to thee of." 

And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, 
" Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not." 
And he was afraid, and said, " How dreadful is this 
place! this is none other but the house of God, and 
this is the gate of heaven." 

And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took 
the stone that he had put under his head, and set it 
up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. 
And he called the name of that place Beth-el. And 
Jacob vowed a vow, saying, "If God will be with 
me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will 
give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that 
I come again to my father's house in peace, then shall 
the Lord be my God, and this stone, which I have set 
up for a pillar, shall be God's house : and of all that 
thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto 
thee." 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

31. No man is altogether good and no one is wholly bad. 
Good and evil struggle for the mastery in us. Jacob is a man 
in whom this is very clearly seen. He was the twin brother of 
Esau, but Esau had the right of the oldest son. This was 
called the birthright. It was very important in that day. 
It meant that after the father's death Esau would become the 
head of the tribe, and would have twice as much of the prop- 
erty as his brother. Jacob did not like this and began to 
scheme to get the better of his brother. 



JACOB, THE CLEVER 39 

32 (§10). What was the difference between the two men? 
^^ (§10). Tell the story of the hunting day and how Jacob 
sold the food to his brother. 

34 (§10). What do you think of Esau in this affair? He 
gave up a great future for a little satisfaction. 

35 (§io)- Jacob w^as ''smart" or "clever" in his bargain. 
Was he brotherly ? Is it honest to charge all that you can get 
for something that people must have ? 

36 (§iiA). The last solemn blessing of the head of the tribe 
was considered very important. How did Isaac arrange 
that it should be given to Esau ? 

37 (§iiB). There was a wretched favoritism in this family. 
What was Rebekah's scheme to get the blessing for her 
favorite ? Tell the story, 

38 (§iiC). Picture the blind old father and the crafty son 
coming to him. How did he secure the blessing? Notice 
how one wrong leads to another. 

39 (§iiD). Tell, the story of Esau's bitter disappoint- 
ment. 

40 (§iiE). What revenge did Esau plan? Rebekah was 
afraid: what advice did she give to Jacob? When the man 
had to flee for his hfe, how much had he gained by his decep- 
tion? Do the ''smart" men always win? If they do is it 
worth while ? 

41 (§12). The Lord is wonderfully forgiving, and he still 
wanted to lead Jacob to a noble life. Follow the journey on 
the map. What did Jacob do when night overtook him? 
There are great rocks at Bethel that look something like a 
huge staircase. How did these form themselves in Jacob's 
dream ? This is a simple, beautiful story of the old time when 
men thought they saw God in dreams. Tell the whole story 
in your own words. 

42 (§12). What promise did the Lord give him? What 
vow did Jacob make ? 



40 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a story with the following points: 

1. The reason for Jacob's flight. 

2. The kindness of God to him. 

3. The dream of the heavenly ladder. 



V. ISRAEL, THE GODLY 

THE STORY 

§13. Jacob's Return after Twenty Years (Gen. 29: i, 

16, 23, 28; 30:43; 31:17, 18) 

And Jacob came to the land of the children of the 

East. And he served Laban, his mother's brother. 

And Laban had two daughters: the name of the 

elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was 

Rachel. And Laban gave his two daughters to 

Jacob to be his wives. 

And Jacob increased exceedingly, and had large 
flocks, and maidservants and menservants, and 
camels and asses. 

And after twenty years Jacob rose up, and set his 
sons and his wives upon the camels; and he carried 
away all his cattle, and all his substance which he 
had gathered to go unto the land of Canaan. 

§14. Jacob's Fear of Esau (Gen. 32 : 1-2 1) 
A. THE MESSAGE TO ESAU 

And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau 
his brother unto the land of Seir. And he com- 
manded them, saying, "Thus shall ye say unto my 
lord Esau, 'Thus saith thy servant Jacob, I have 
sojourned with Laban, and stayed until now: and 
I have oxen, and asses and flocks, and menservants 

41 



42 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

and maidservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, 
that I may find grace in thy sight.' " 

And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, 
"We came to thy brother Esau, and moreover he 
Cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with 
him.'' 

Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed : 
and he divided the people that was with him, and the 
flocks, and the herds, and the- camels, into two com- 
panies; and he said, " If Esau come to the one com- 
pany, and smite it, then the company which is left 
shall escape." 

B. Jacob's prayer 

And Jacob said, " O God of my father Abraham, 
and God of my father Isaac, O Lord, which saidst 
unto me, ' Return unto thy country, and to thy kin- 
dred, and I will do thee good' : I am not worthy of 
the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which 
thou hast showed unto thy servant ; for with my staff 
I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become 
two companies. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the 
hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I 
fear him, lest he come and smite me, the mother with 
the children. And thou saidst, * I will surely do thee 
good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which 
cannot be numbered for multitude.' " 

C. THE PRESENT TO ESAU 

And he lodged there that night; and took of that 
which he had with him a present for Esau his brother; 



ISRAEL, THE GODLY 43 

two hundred she-goats and twenty he-goats, two 
hundred ewes and twenty rams, thirty milch camels 
and their colts, forty kine and ten bulls, twenty 
she-asses and ten foals. And he delivered them into 
the hand of his servants, every drove by itself; and 
said unto his servants, "Pass over before me, and 
put a space betwixt drove and drove." 

And he commanded the foremost, saying, ''When 
Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, 
saying, ' Whose art thou ? and whither goest thou ? 
and whose are these before thee?' then thou shalt 
say, ' They be thy servant Jacob-'s; it is a present sent 
unto my lord Esau: and, behold, he also is behind 
us.' " 

And he commanded also the second, and the third, 
and all that followed the droves, saying, ''On this 
manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him; 
and ye shall say, 'Moreover, behold, thy servant 
Jacob is behind us.'" For he said, "I will appease 
him with the present that goeth before me, and after- 
ward I will see his face; perad venture he will accept 
me." 

So the present passed over before him: and he 
himself lodged that night in the company. 

§15. The Wrestle and the New Name (Gen. 32 122-3 1) 

And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, 
and his two handmaids, and his eleven children, and 
passed over the ford of Jabbok. And he took them, 



44 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

and sent them over the stream, and sent over that he 
had. 

And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a 
man with him until the breaking of the day. And 
when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he 
touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow 
of Jacob's thigh was strained, as -he wrestled with 
him. 

And he said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." 

And he said, "I will not let thee go, except thou 
bless me." 

And he said unto him, " What is thy name ? " 

And he said, ''Jacob." 

And he said, "Thy name shall be called no more 
Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God 
and with men, and hast prevailed." 

And Jacob asked him, and said, "Tell me, I pray 
thee, thy name." 

And he said, "Wherefore is it that thou dost ask 
after my name ?" And he blessed him there. 

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: 
for, said he, "I have seen God face to face, and my 
life is preserved." And the sun rose upon him as he 
passed over Peniel, and he halted upon his thigh. 

§i6. The Meeting With Esau (Gen. 33 : i-i 6) 

And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and be- 
hold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. 
And he divided the children unto Leah, and unto 



ISRAEL, THE GODLY 45 

Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. And he put 
the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah 
and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hinder- 
most. And he himself passed over before them, and 
bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he 
came near to his brother. And Esau ran to meet 
him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and 
kissed him: and they wept. And he lifted up his 
eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, 
"Who are these with thee ?" 

And he said, "The children which God has gra- 
ciously given thy servant." 

Then the handmaidens came near, they and their 
children, and they bowed themselves. And Leah 
also and her children came near, and bowed them- 
selves : and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and 
they bowed themselves. 

And he said, " What meanest thou by all this com- 
pany which I met ?" 

And he said, "To find grace in the sight of my 
lord." 

And Esau said, "I have enough; my brother, let 
that thou hast be thine." 

And Jacob said, "Nay, I pray thee, if now I have 
found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at 
my hand : forasmuch as I have seen thy face, as one 
seeth the face of God, and thou wast pleased with 
me. Take, I pray thee, my gift that is brought to 
thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me. 



46 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

and because I have enough." And he urged him, 
and he took it. 

And he said, " Let us take our journey, and let us 
go, and I will go before thee." 

And he said unto him, '' My lord knoweth that the 
children are tender, and that the flocks and herds 
with me have young : and if they overdrive them one 
day, all the flocks will die. Let my lord, I pray thee, 
pass over before his servant : and I will lead on softly, 
according to the pace of the cattle that is before me 
and according to the pace of the children, until I 
come unto my lord unto Seir." 

And Esau said, "Let me now leave with thee 
some of the folk that are with me." 

And he said, " What needeth it ? let me find grace 
in the sight of my lord." 

So Esau returned that day on his way unto 
Seir. 

§17. The Altar of Bethel (Gen. 35 : 1-7) 

And God said unto Jacob, "Arise, go up to Beth- 
el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto 
God, who appeared unto thee when thou fleddest 
from the face of Esau thy brother." 

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all 
that were with them, "Put away the strange gods 
that are among you, and purify yourselves, and 
change your garments: and let us arise, and go up 
to Beth-el; and I wifl make there an altar unto God, 



CANAAN 



Scale of English Miles. 




ISRAEL, THE GODLY 47 

who answered me in the day of my distress, and was 
with me in the way which I went." 

And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods 
which were in their hand, and the rings which were 
in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak 
which was by Shechem. And they journeyed: and 
a great terror was upon the cities that were round 
about them, and they did not pursue after the sons 
of Jacob. So Jacob came to Beth-el, he and all the 
people that were with him. And he built there an 
altar, because there God was revealed unto him when 
he fled from the face of his brother. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

43 (§13)- There is a long and interesting story of Jacob's 
marriage and of his twenty years' service with Laban. It was 
a hard service, for Laban was a hard master and was very 
jealous of the prosperity of his son-in-law. But in spite of 
difficulty Jacob was successful, though in the game of wits 
he was not always very scrupulous. At last he determined to 
return to his own land, but was obhged to go secretly for fear 
of Laban. Even so, Laban pursued him and there was a 
hot dispute. But at last they made a covenant of peace, and 
parted. J[acob journeyed as far as the brook Jabbok, a stream 
which flows westward into the Jordan, about twenty-five miles 
north of the Dead Sea. Locate it on the map. 

44 (§i4A), As Jacob returned home, what might he have 
to fear? The old sin comes up after twenty years. Note 
Jacob's plan. He is very courteous to Esau and yet he wants^ 
him to know what a great man he has become. What would 
the reply of the messengers Jndicate about Esau's life for the 



48 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

twenty years ? How did Jacob feel when he heard of Esau, 
and what did he do ? 

45 (§146). Jacob was very shrewd, but there is a better 
defense than cunning. Read the beautiful prayer. How 
does he think of God ? How does he think of himself ? What 
does he pray for ? What promise does he plead ? 

46 (§140). How many animals were there in each of the 
five droves? How many were there altogether? What 
was Jacob's plan to pacify Esau ? Do you think this was a 
shrewd scheme ? 

47 (§^5)- I^ the old days the experiences and feelings of 
the heart were often told as if they were physical events. So 
we must understand the wonderful story of the wrestle. Jacob 
had been a clever man living by his wits. God had in many 
ways been seeking to bring him to obedience to his will. Now 
when the danger of Esau is upon him, Jacob has the fight of 
his life — but it is within his own heart, 

48 (§15). Picture the loneliness of Jacob and describe 
how you think he felt that night? Did you ever have a 
great heart struggle about some duty, or over some 
temptation ? 

49 (§15)- Jacob was defeated and yet he was victorious. 
When we give in to God, we are really victors. What was his 
new name? How are all his people called by it? The old 
name belongs to the clever man : the new name belongs to the 
godly man, who has received God's blessing. 

50 (§16). This story may be passed rapidly, though it is 
full of interest. Tell in your own words: (i) what happened 
when the brothers met; (2) how Jacob wisely separated from 
Esau. 

51 (§17). There was one place in Canaan that was very 
sacred to Jacob. What had happened at Bethel ? Why did 
God tell him to go there ? How did he prepare his people for 
the visit ? What thoughts do you think came to him when he 



ISRAEL, THE GODLY 49 

returned to the spot where he had slept as a lonely young man 
twenty years before ? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a little story of Jacob's return to Bethel, showing 
how he was different after twenty years. 

1. Show the difference in his possessions, 

2. Show the difference in his feeling to his brother. 

3. Show the difference in his thought of himself. 



JOSEPH 

VI. Joseph, the Slave 
VII. Joseph, the Ruler 
VIII. Joseph, the Generous 



VI. JOSEPH, THE SLAVE 

THE STORY 

§i8. Joseph and His Dreams (Gen. 37:3-11) 

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, 
because he was the son of his old age : and he made 
him a long garment with sleeves. And his brethren 
saw that their father loved him more than all his 
brethren; and they hated him, and could not speak 
peaceably unto him. And Joseph dreamed a dream, 
and he told it to his brethren: and they hated him 
yet the more. 

And he said unto them, "Hear, I pray you, this 
dream which I have dreamed: for, behold, we were 
binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf arose, 
and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves 
came round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf." 

And his brethren said to him, *' Shalt thou indeed 
reign over us ? or shalt thou indeed have dominion 
over us ?" And they hated him yet the more for his 
dreams, and for his words. 

And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it to 
his brethren, and said, "Behold, I have dreamed 
yet a dream; and, behold, the sun and the moon and 
eleven stars made obeisance to me." 

And he told it to his father, and to his brethren; 
and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, 

53 



54 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

''What is this dream that thou hast dreamed ? Shall 
I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to 
bow down ourselves to thee to the earth ?" 

And his brethren envied him; and his father kept 
the saying in mind. 

§19. Joseph Sold as a Slave (Gen. 37:12-35) 

And his brethren went to feed their father's flock 
in Shechem. And Israel said unto Joseph, "Do 
not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem ? come, 
and I will send thee unto them." 

And he said to him, "Here am I." 

And he said to him, " Go now, see whether it be 
well with thy brethren, and well with the flock; and 
bring me word again." 

So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he 
came to Shechem. And a certain man found him, 
and, behold, he was wandering in the field : and the 
man asked him, saying, "What seekest thou?" 

And he said, " I seek my brethren : tell me, I pray 
thee, where they are feeding the flock." 

And the man said, "They are departed hence: 
for I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.'" 

And Joseph went after his brethren, and found 
them in Dothan. And they saw him afar off, and 
before he came near unto them, they conspired 
against him to slay him. And they said one to 
another, " Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come now 
therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into one 



JOSEPH, THE SLAVE 55 

of the pits, and we will say, 'An evil beast hath de- 
voured him ' : and we shall see what will become of 
his dreams." 

And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto 
his brethren, that they stript Joseph of his coat, the 
long garment with sleeves that was on him; and 
they took him, and cast him into the pit : and the 
pit was empty, there was no water in it. And they 
sat down to eat bread : and they hf ted up their eyes 
and looked, and, behold, a traveling company of 
Ishmaelites came from Gilead, with their camels 
bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to 
carry it down to Egypt. And Judah said unto his 
brethren, "What profit is it if we slay our brother 
and conceal his blood ? Come, and let us sell him 
to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon 
him; for he is our brother, our flesh." 

And his brethren hearkened unto him. And they 
drew and lifted Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph 
to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And 
they brought Joseph into Egypt. And they took 
Joseph's coat, and killed a he-goat, and dipped the 
coat in the blood; and they brought it to their father; 
and said, "This have we found; know now whether 
it be thy son's coat or not." 

And he knew it, and said, "It is my son's coat; 
an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without 
doubt torn in pieces." And Jacob rent his garments, 
and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for 



56 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

his son many days. And all his sons and all his 
daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to 
be comforted; and he said, "For I will go down to 
the grave to my son mourning." And his father 
wept for him. 

§20. Joseph's Faithfulness (Gen. 39:1-6) 
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and 
Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the 
guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hand of the 
Ishmaelites, which had brought him down thither. 

And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was 
a prosperous man; and he was in the house of 
his master the Egyptian. And his master saw 
that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord 
made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And 
Joseph found grace in his sight, and he ministered 
unto him : and he made him overseer over his house, 
and all that he had he put into his hand. And it 
came to pass from the time that he made him over- 
seer in his house, and over all that he had, that the 
Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; 
and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he 
had, in the house and in the field. And he left all 
that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not aught 
that was with him save the bread which he did eat. 

§21. Joseph in Prison (Gen. 39:17-23) 
But Potiphar's wife spoke false words concerning 
Joseph, and she said unto her husband, ''The He- 



JOSEPH, THE SLAVE 57 

brew servant, which thou hast brought unto us, came 
in unto me to mock me: and it came to pass, as I 
lifted up my voice and cried, that he fled out." 

And it came to pass, when his master heard the 
words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, 
"After this manner did thy servant to me," that his 
wrath was kindled. And Joseph's master took him, 
and put him into the prison, the place where the 
king's prisoners wxre bound: and he was there in 
the prison. 

But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed kind- 
ness unto him, and gave him favor in the sight of 
the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the 
prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners 
that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did 
there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison 
looked not to any thing that was under his hand, 
because the Lord was with him; and that which he 
did, the Lord made it to prosper. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

52. The story of Joseph is remarkably beautiful and inter- 
esting. It is more fully told than many of the other stories, 
and we seem to know Joseph better than almost any of the 
older Bible characters. His life was lull of startling adventure 
and shows how a strong, noble young hero can meet danger. 

53 (§18). Joseph was the youngest but one of Jacob's 
sons. The others were grown up, and many statements show 
that they were not very good men. How did Jacob feel 
toward Joseph ? He gave him a long garment with sleeves, 
which was a mark of distinction. The ordinary working 



S8 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

garments were short and had no sleeves. How did Joseph's 
brothers feel toward him ? What do you think of favoritism 
in families? Can a father feel the same toward good sons 
and bad sons ? 

54 (§i8). In old times they thought much of dreams and 
believed they had important meanings. Tell Joseph's two 
dreams. What were they supposed to mean ? Do boys often 
dream of their future ? 

55 (§19)- Why do men with large flocks need to move 
from place to place? Locate Hebron on the map. Then 
note how far the shepherds had wandered to Shechem, which 
is a very rich pasturage. Then notice Dothan, 15 miles 
farther north, where the pasturage is still richer. About how 
far was Dothan from Hebron ? (Use the scale on the map to 
measure.) Tell how Joseph found his brothers. 

56 (§19). Tell the story of the plot. What had prepared 
these men for the crime they committed ? (See I John 3 : 15.) 
It is a fearful thing to keep hatred in the heart. Shut the 
book and think for a moment whether you really hate anyone. 
Tell what they did with Joseph. How does one sin lead to 
another ? What did they tell Jacob ? Notice how sorry the 
old man was and how they showed their sorrow in those days. 

57 (§20). What happened to Joseph when he reached 
Egypt ? What is the position of a slave ? 

58 (§20). Notice how Joseph, although he was sold into 
slavery, determined to do his duty to his master. Some 
people will only do their best when they are well paid. How 
was faithfulness rewarded in this case? 

59 (§21). This story is full of strange surprises. Just as 
Joseph was enjoying his place as overseer, a new enemy arose. 
His master's wife made false charges against him. She was a 
wicked woman and wanted Joseph to be put out of the way. 
Her husband believed her. What did he do with Joseph ? 

60 (§21). Joseph might well be discouraged, but even in 



JOSEPH, THE SLAVE 59 

prison he was determined to do his best. Whose favor did he 
gaiii ? In our prisons they call the good prisoners "trusties. " 
The jailer soon found that Joseph was a "trusty," and gave 
him charge of all the other prisoners. 

WRITTEN REVIEV^ 

Write a short story about Joseph's difficulties (i) in the pit; 
(2) in slavery; (3) in prison. Tell how he acted and whom 
he trusted. 



VII. JOSEPH, THE RULER 

THE STORY 

§ 22. Joseph's Interpretation of the Dreams (Gen., 
chap. 40) 

A. JOSEPH AND THE STATE PRISONERS 

And it came to pass after these things, that the 
butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended 
their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was 
wroth against his two officers, against the chief of the 
butlers, and against the chief of the bakers. And he 
put them in the house of the captain of the guard, into 
the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. And 
the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, 
and he ministered unto them : and they continued a 
season in prison. 

And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man 
his dream, in one night, each man according to" the 
interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker 
of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the 
prison. 

And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, 
and saw them, and, behold, they were sad. And he 
asked them, saying, ^'Wherefore look ye so sadly 
to-day?" 

And they said unto him, "We have dreamed a 
dream, and there is none that can interpret it." 

60 



JOSEPH, THE RULER 6 1 

And Joseph said unto them, " Do not interpreta- 
tions belong to God ? tell it me, I pray you." 

B. THE CHIEF BUTLER'S DREAM 

And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and 
said to him, " In my dream, behold, a vine was before 
me; and in the vine were three branches : and it was 
as though it budded, and its blossoms shot forth; 
and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: 
and Pharaoh's cup was in my hand; and I took the 
grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and 
I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand." 

And Joseph said unto him, "This is the interpre- 
tation of it : the three branches are three days; within 
yet three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and 
restore thee unto thine office: and thou shalt give 
Pharaoh's cup into his hand, after the former manner 
when thou wast his butler. But have me in thy 
remembrance when it shall be well with thee, and 
show kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make men- 
tion of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this 
house : for indeed I was stolen away out of the land 
of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing 
that they should put me into the dungeon." 

C. THE CHIEF BAKER'S DREAM 

When the chief baker saw that the interpretation 
was good, he said unto Joseph, "I also was in my 
dream, and, behold, three baskets of white bread 
were on my head : and in the uppermost basket there 



62 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

was of all manner of baked food for Pharaoh; and the 
birds did eat it out of the basket upon my head." 

And Joseph answered and said, "This is the in- 
terpretation thereof : the three baskets are three days ; 
within yet three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head 
from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the 
birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee." 

D. THE INTERPRETATION COMES TRUE 

And it came to pass the third day, which was 
Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast unto all 
his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief 
butler and the head of the chief baker among his 
servants. And he restored the chief butler unto his 
butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's 
hand : but he hanged the chief baker : as Joseph had 
interpreted to them. Yet did not the chief butler 
remember Joseph, but forgot him. 

§23. Joseph's Interpretation of Pharaoh's Dreams 
(Gen. 41:1-16, 25-36) 

A. THE king's dream 

And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that 
Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the 
river. And, behold, there came up out of the river 
seven kine, well favored and fatfleshed; and they 
fed in the reed-grass. And, behold, seven other kine 
came up ^fter them out of the river, ill favored and 
leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon. the 



JOSEPH, THE RULER 63 

brink of the river. And the ill favored and lean- 
fleshed kine did eat up the seven well favored and 
fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. And he slept and 
dreamed a second time: and, behold, seven ears of 
corn came up on one stalk, rank and good. And, 
behold, seven ears, thin and blasted with the east 
wind, sprung up after them. And the thin ears 
swallowed up the seven rank and full ears. And 
Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. And 
it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was 
troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians 
of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh 
told them his dream: but there was none that could 
interpret them unto Pharaoh. 

B. THE butler's RECOMMENDATION OF JOSEPH 

Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, 
"I do remember my faults this day: Pharaoh was 
wroth with his servants, and put me in prison in the 
house of the captain of the guard, me and the chief 
baker: and we dreamed a dream in one night, I and 
he; we dreamed each man according to the inter- 
pretation of his dream. And there was with us there 
a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of 
the guards; and we told him, and he interpreted to 
us our dreams; to each man according to his dream 
he did interpret. And it came to pass, as he inter- 
preted to us, so it was; I was restored unto mine 
office, and he was hanged." 



64 HEROES OF ISRAEL 



C. JOSEPH INTERPRETS PHARAOH'S DREAM 

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they 
brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he 
shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came 
in unto Pharaoh. 

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, " I have dreamed 
a dream, and there is none that can interpret it : and 
I have heard say of thee, that when thou hearest a 
dream thou canst interpret it." 

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "It is 
not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of 
peace." 

And Pharaoh told Joseph his dreams. 

And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, "The dream of 
Pharaoh is one: what God is about to do he hath 
declared unto Pharaoh. The seven good kine are 
seven years ; and the seven good ears are seven years : 
the dream is one. And the seven lean and ill fa- 
vored kine that came up after them are seven years, 
and also the seven empty ears blasted with the east 
wind ; they shall be seven years of famine. That is 
the thing which I spake unto Pharaoh: what God 
is about to do he hath showed unto Pharaoh. Be- 
hold, there come seven years of great plenty through- 
out all the land of Egypt : and there shall arise after 
them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall 
be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine 
shall consume the land; and the plenty shall not be 
known in the land by reason of that famine which 



JOSEPH, THE RULER 65 

followeth; for it shall be very grievous. And for 
that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice, it 
is because the thing is established by God, and God 
will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore let 
Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set 
him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, 
and let him appoint overseers over the land, and take 
up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven 
plenteous years. And let them gather all the food 
of these good years that come, and lay up grain under 
the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let 
them keep it. And the food shall be for a store to 
the land against the seven years of famine, which 
shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish 
not through the famine." 

§24. Joseph Made Ruler of Egypt (Gen. 41 : 37-45, 47-57) 

A. JOSEPH HONORED BY PHARAOH 

And the thing was good in -the eyes of Pharaoh, and 
in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said 
unto his servants, "Can we find such a one as this, 
a man in whom the spirit of God is ? " And Pharaoh 
said unto Joseph, "Forasmuch as God hath showed 
thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as 
thou: thou shalt be over my house, and according 
unto thy word shall all my people be ruled : only in 
the throne will I be greater than thou." And Pha;- 
raoh said unto Joseph, " See, I have set thee over all 
the land of Egypt." 



66 



HEROES OF ISRAEL 




THE SEAL OF THE GRAND 
VIZIER OF RAMSES II 



And Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, 
and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in 
vestures of fine Hnen, and put a gold chain about his 

neck; and he made him 
to ride in the second 
chariot which he had; 
and they cried before 
him, "Bow the knee," 
and he set him over all 
the land of Egypt. And 
Pharaoh said unto 
Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, 
and without thee shall no 
man lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of 
Egypt." 

And he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of 
Poti-phera priest of On. And Joseph went out over 
the land of Egypt. 

B. JOSEPH'S PROSPERITY 

And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought 
forth by handfuls. And he gathered up all the food 
of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, 
and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the 
field, which was round about every city, laid he up 
in the same. And Joseph laid up grain as the sand 
(5f the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it 
was without number. 

And unto Joseph were born two sons before the 



JOSEPH, THE RULER 67 

year of famine came. And Joseph called the name 
of the firstborn Manasseh: "For God hath made 
me forget all my toil, and all my father's house." 
And the name of the second called he Ephraim: 
"For God hath made me fruitful in the land of my 
affliction." 

And the seven years of plenty, that was in the land 
of Egypt, came to an end. And the seven years of 
famine began to come, according as Joseph had said : 
and there was famine in all lands; but in all the land 
of Egypt there was bread. And when all the land 
of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh 
for bread : and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, 
" Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do." 

And the famine was over all the face of the earth : 
and Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto 
the Egyptians; and the famine was sore in the land 
of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to 
Joseph to buy grain; because the famine was sore 
in all the earth. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

61. Recall rapidly the story of Joseph as far as we have 
studied it. Read §21 and consider the situation of the young 
prisoner. 

62 (§22A). Who were these two great men that were sent 
to prison ? It was a high office to be cupbearer to the king. 
The butler's speech later shows that it was his duty to squeeze 
the grapes into a goblet of water, making the refreshing drink 
for his royal master. The officer who had charge of the 



6S HEROES OF ISRAEL 

kitchen in a great palace would also be an important man. 
In our time a French "chef" sometimes has a salary of 
$25,000. Why were these men in prison ? What did Joseph 
have to do with them ? 

63 (§22A). This was three days before the king's birthday 
and on that day it was customary to decide the fate of state 
prisoners. How would the two men feel as the day drew 
near? Would they be likely to dream about their former 
occupations ? Tell the conversation that took place between 
them and Joseph in the morning. 

64 (§22B). Tell the story. Note how natural it was for 
the butler to dream that he was again preparing the king's 
grape juice. What do you think of Joseph's request ? Was 
it a reasonable request ? 

65 (§22C, D). Tell the story of the baker's dream and the 
interpretation. What happened on the king's birthday? 
How was it that the chief butler was so ungrateful ? 

66 (§23A). Pharaoh was the title given to all the kings of 
Eygpt, as Czar is given to the Russian emperors, Sultan" to the 
rulers of Turkey, and President to our own chief executive. 
The most important thing in Egypt is its famous river. (What 
is its name ?) It was natural for the king to dream of it. Tell 
the story of his dream. 

67 (§236). We have already noted how much significance 
was attached to dreams. A king would have a company of 
learned men who were supposed to be able to interpret his 
dreams. How was it in this case ? What did the chief butler 
do? How long had he forgotten Joseph? 

68 (§230). How did they get Joseph ready to appear before 
the king ? If you look at Egyptian pictures you will see that 
the great men never wore beards. The Egyptians were also 
very cleanly and particular about white garments. What did 
Pharaoh say to Joseph ? Note Joseph's modesty. 

69 (§230). Tell Joseph's interpretation of the dreams. 



JOSEPH, THE RULER 69 

Of course we naturally ask how Joseph could know these 
things. But we can only say that it is part of the story, and 
our interest is in finding just what these beautiful old tales of 
the heroes have to say to us. What advice did Joseph give 
to the king? Famines were rare in Egypt, because the 
country is not dependent upon rainfall but upon the overflow 
of the Nile. Occasionally, though very seldom, the water 
does not come from the upper river in sufficient quantity; 
then there is no inundation and the crops fail. 

70 (§24A). What did Pharaoh think of Joseph's interpreta- 
tion ? What did he think of his advice ? What did he decide 
to do with him. Note the six distinctions he gave him and 
explain what they meant? In England one of the highest 
officers is the Keeper of the Great Seal. And there the alder- 
men wear gold chains round their necks. It was a notable 
honor to be married to the daughter of the high priest, who 
was a great dignitary. 

71 (§246). What did Joseph do during the seven prosper- 
ous years ? How many sons were born to him ? What did 
he do when the famine came ? 

72. W^hen Joseph was in the pit in slavery, and in the prison, 
whom did he trust ? Did he ever think the happy dreams of 
youth were hopeless^? What is the best way to meet bad 
fortune ? Now note how he meets good fortune. Read Rom. 
8:28. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write the butler's story. Imagine yourself the chief butler, 
first in prison meeting the young Hebrew prisoner, then back 
in the palace forgetting all about him, then on the great day, 
when Joseph was made ruler. Tell the story in the first 
person, just as the butler would tell it, and let it show what 
he would think of Joseph. 



VIII. JOSEPH, THE GENEROUS 

THE STORY 

§25. Joseph and the Guilty Brothers (Gen., chap. 42) 

A. THE FIRST JOURNEY OF THE BROTHERS 

Now Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, and 
Jacob said unto his sons, " Why do ye look one upon 
another? Behold, I have heard that there is grain 
in Egypt : get you down thither, and buy for us from 
thence; that we may live, and not die." 

And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy grain 
from Egypt. But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob 
sent not with his brethren; for he said, "Lest per- 
ad venture mischief befall him." 

B. JOSEPH'S TREATMENT OF HIS BROTHERS 

And Joseph was the governor over the land; he it 
was that sold to all the people of the land: and Jo- 
seph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves to 
him with their faces to the earth. And Joseph saw 
his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself 
strange unto them, and spake roughly with them; 
and he said unto them, "Whence come ye ?" And 
they said, "From the land of Canaan to buy food." 

And Joseph remembered the dreams which he 
dreamed of them, and said unto them, " Ye are spies; 
to see the nakedness of the land ye are come." 

70 



JOSEPH, THE GENEROUS 71 

And they said unto him, ''Nay, my lord, but to 
buy food are thy servants come. We are all one 
man's sons; we are true men, thy servants are no 
spies." 

And he said unto them, "Nay, but to see the 
nakedness of the land ye are come." 

And they said, "We thy servants are twelve 
brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; 
and, behold, the youngest is this day with our father, 
and one is not." 

And Joseph said unto them, " Ye are spies." And 
he put them all together into prison three days. And 
Joseph said unto them the third day, "This do, and 
live; for I fear God: if ye be true men, let one of 
your brethren be bound in your prison house ; but go 
ye, carry grain for the famine of your houses: and 
bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your 
words be verified, and ye shall not die." 

And they said one to another, "We are verily 
guilty concerning our brother, in that w^e saw the dis- 
tress of his soul, when he besought us, and we would 
not hear; therefore is this distress come upon 
us." 

And they knew not that Joseph understood them; 
for there was an interpreter between them. And 
he turned himself about from them, and wept; and 
he returned to them, and spake to them, and took 
Simeon from among them, and bound him before 
their eyes. 



72 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

C. THE RETURN TO JACOB 

Then Joseph commanded to fill their vessels with 
grain, and to restore every man's money into his 
sack, and to give them provision for the way: and 
thus was it done unto them. 

And they laded their asses with their grain and 
departed thence. And as one of them opened his 
sack to give his ass provender in the lodging place, he 
espied his money; and, behold, it was in the mouth 
of his sack. And he said unto his brethren, "My 
money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack." 
And their heart failed them, and they turned trem- 
bling one to another, saying, '' What is this that God 
hath done unto us?" 

And they came unto Jacob their father unto the 
land of Canaan, and told him all that had befallen 
them. And it came to pass as they emptied their 
sacks, that, behold, every man's bundle of money 
was in his sack; and when they and their father saw 
their bundles of money, they were afraid. 

And Jacob their father said unto them, ''Me have 
ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and 
Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all 
these things are against me." 

And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, " Slay 
my two sons, if I bring him not to thee : deliver him 
into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again." 

And he said, " My son shall not go down with you; 
for his brother is dead, and he only is left : if mischief 



JOSEPH, THE GENEROUS 73 

befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye 
bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave." 

§26. Joseph and Benjamin (Gen., chap. 43) 
A. THE SECOND JOURNEY TO EGYPT 

And the famine was sore in the land. And it came 
to pass, when they had eaten up the grain which they 
had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto 
them, " Go again, buy us a little food." 

And Judah spake unto him, saying, ''The man 
did solemnly protest unto us, saying, ' Ye shall not 
see my face, except your brother be with you.' If 
thou wilt send our brother with us, we will go down 
and buy thee food : but if thou wilt not send him, we 
w^ill not go down." 

And Israel said, ''Wherefore dealt ye so ill with 
me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a brother ? " 

And they said, " The man asked straitly concern- 
ing ourselves, and concerning our kindred, saying, 
' Is your father yet alive ? have ye another brother ? ' 
and we told him according to the tenor of these words : 
could we in any wise know that he would say, ' Bring 
your brother down' ? " And Judah said unto Israel 
his father, " Send the lad with me, and we will arise 
and go; that we may live, and not die, both we, and 
thou, and also our little ones. I will be surety for 
him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring 
him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let 
me bear the blame for ever: for except we had 



74 • HEROES OF ISRAEL 

lingered, surely we had now returned a second 
time." 

And their father Israel said unto them, "If it be 
so now, do this; take of the choice fruits of the land 
in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, 
a httle balm, and a little honey, spicery and myrrh, 
nuts, and almonds: and take double money in your 
hand; and the money that was returned in the mouth 
of your sacks carry again in your hand; perad venture 
it was an oversight : take also your brother, and arise, 
go again unto the man : and God Almighty give you 
mercy before the man, that he may release unto you 
your other brother and Benjamin. And if I be 
bereaved of my children, I am bereaved." 

B. THE KIND RECEPTION 

And the men took that present, and they took 
double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and 
rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before 
Joseph. And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, 
he said to the steward of his house, " Bring the men 
into the house, and slay, and make ready; for the 
men shall dine with me at noon." 

And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man 
brought the men into Joseph's house. And the men 
were afraid because they were brought into Joseph's 
house; and they said, "Because of the money that 
was returned in our sacks at the first time are we 
brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, 



JOSEPH, THE GENEROUS 75 

and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our 
asses." 

And they came near to the steward of Joseph's 
house; and they spake unto him at the door of the 
house, and said, " Oh my lord, we came indeed down 
at the first time to buy food: and it came to pass, 
when we came to the lodging place, that we opened 
our sacks, and, behold, every man's money was in the 
mouth of his sack, our money in full weight : and we 
have brought it again in our hand. And other 
money have we brought down in our hand to buy 
food : we know not who put our money in our sacks." 

And he said, ''Peace be to you, fear not: your 
God, and the God of your father, hath given you 
treasure in your sacks: I had your money." 

And he brought Simeon out unto them. And the 
man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave 
them water, and they washed their feet; and he 
gave their asses provender. And they made ready 
the present against Joseph came at noon: for they 
heard that they should eat bread there. 

C. THE FEAST 

And w^hen Joseph came home, they brought him 
the present which was in their hand into the house, 
and bowed down themselves to him to the earth. 
xA.nd he asked them of their welfare, and said, "Is 
your father well, the old man of whom ye spake ? 
Is he yet alive?" And they said, ''Thy servant 



76 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

our father is well, he is yet alive." And they 
bowed the head, and made obeisance. 

And he lifted up his eyes, and saw Benjamin -his 
brother, his mother's son, and said, "Is this your 
youngest brother, of whom ye spake unto me?" 
And he said, " God be gracious unto thee, my son." 

And Joseph made haste; for his heart yearned 
over his brother : and he sought where to weep; and 
he entered into his chamber, and wept there. And 
he washed his face, and came out; and he refrained 
himself, and said, "Set on bread." 

And they set on for him by himself, and for them 
by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat 
with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians 
might not eat bread with the Hebrews ; for that is an 
abomination unto the Egyptians. ■ And they sat be- 
fore him, the firstborn according to his birthright, 
and the youngest according to his youth: and the 
men marvelled one with another. And he took and 
sent messes unto them from before him: but Benja- 
min's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. 
And they drank, and were merry with him. 

§27. Joseph's Forgiveness (Gen., chap. 44; 45:1-15) 

A. THE HARD TEST 

And he commanded the steward of his house, say- 
ing, "Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as 
they can carry, and put every man's money in his 
sack's mouth. And put my cup, the silver cup, in 



JOSEPH, THE GENEROUS 77 

the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his grain 
money." 

And he did according to the word that Joseph had 
spoken. As soon as the morning was Hght, the men 
were sent away, they and their asses. And when 
they were gone out of the city, and were not yet far 
off, Joseph said unto his steward, "Up, follow after 
the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say 
unto them, 'Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for 
good ? Is not this it in which my lord drinketh, and 
whereby he indeed divineth ? ye have done evil in 
so doing.' " 

And he overtook them, and he spake unto them 
these words. And they said unto him, " Wherefore 
speaketh my lord such words as these ? God forbid 
that thy servants should do such a thing. Behold, 
the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, 
we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan : 
how then should we steal out of thy lord's house 
silver or gold ? With whomsoever of thy servants 
it be found, let him die, and we also will be my lord's 
bondmen." 

And he said, "Now also let it be according unto 
your words: he with whom it is found shall be my 
bondman; and ye shall be blameless." 

Then they hasted, and took down every man his 
sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack. 
x\nd he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at 
the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's 



78 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

sack. Then they rent their clothes, and laded every 
man his ass, and returned to the city. And Judah 
and his brethren came to Joseph's house; and he 
was yet there: and they fell before him on the 
ground. 

And Joseph said unto them, "What deed is this 
that ye have done ? know ye not that such a man 
as I can indeed divine ?" 

And Judah said, "What shall we say unto my 
lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear 
ourselves ? God hath found out the iniquity of thy 
servants: behold, we are my lord's bondmen, both 
we, and he also in whose hand the cup is found." 

And he said, "God forbid that I should do so: 
the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be 
my bondman; but as for you, get you up in peace 
unto your father." 

B. judah' S NOBLE OFFER 

Then Judah came near unto him, and said, " Oh 
my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word 
in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against 
thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh. My 
lord asked his servants, saying, 'Have ye a father, 
or a brother ? ' And we said unto my lord, ' We have 
a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a 
little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is 
left of his mother, and his father loveth him.' And 
thou saidst unto thy servants, ' Bring him down unto 



JOSEPH, THE GENEROUS 79 

me, that I may set mine eyes upon him.' And we 
said unto my lord, ' The lad cannot leave his father : 
for if he should leave his father, his father would die.' 
And thou saidst unto thy servants, 'Except your 
youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see 
my face no more.' And it came to pass when we 
came up unto my father, we told him the words of 
my lord. And our father said, * Go again, buy us 
a little food.' And we said, 'We cannot go down: 
if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go 
down; for we may not see the man's face, except our 
youngest brother be with us.' And my father said 
unto us, ' Ye know that my wife bare me two sons : 
and the one went out from me, and I said. Surely he 
is torn in pieces ; and I have not seen him since : and 
if ye take this one also from me, and mischief befall 
him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow 
to the grave.' Now therefore when I come to my 
father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his 
life is bound up in the lad's life; it shall come to 
pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that 
he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the 
gray hairs of our father with sorrow to the grave. 
For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my 
father, saying, ' If I bring him not unto thee, then 
shall I bear the blame to my father for ever.' Now 
therefore, let thy servant, I pray thee, abide instead 
of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad 
go up with his brethren. For how shall I go up to 



8o HEROES OF ISRAEL 

my father, and the lad be not with me ? lest I see 
the evil that shall come on my father." 

C. THE FORGIVENESS 

Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all 
them that stood by him; and he cried, 'Xause 
every man to go out from me." And there stood no 
man with him, while Joseph made himself known 
unto his brethren. And he wept aloud. 

And Joseph said unto his brethren, " I am Joseph; 
doth my father yet live?" And his brethren could 
not answer him; for they were troubled at his pres- 
ence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, "Come 
near to me, I pray you." And they came near. 
And he said, " I am Joseph your brother, whom ye 
sold into Egypt. And now be not grieved, nor angry 
with yourselves, that ye sold me hither : for God did 
send me before you to preserve life. For these two 
years hath the famine been in the land : and there are 
yet five years, in the which there shall be neither 
plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you 
to preserve you a remnant in the earth, and to save 
you alive by a great deliverance. So now it was not 
you that sent me hither, but God : and he hath made 
me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and 
ruler over all the land of Egypt. Haste ye, and go 
up to my father, and say unto him, 'Thus saith thy 
son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: 
come down unto me, tarry not : and thou shalt dwell 



JOSEPH, THE GENEROUS 8i 

in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto 
me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's chil- 
dren, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that 
thou hast: and there will I nourish thee; for there 
are yet five years of famine; lest thou come to 
poverty, thou, and thy household, and all that thou 
hast.' And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of 
my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that 
speaketh unto you. And ye shall tell my father of all 
my glory in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen and 
ye shall haste and bring down my father hither." 

And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and 
wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he 
kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and 
after that his brethren talked with him. 

§28. Joseph and His Father (Gen. 45:25-28; 
46:28-30; 47:7-11) 

And they went up out of Egypt", and came into the 
land of Canaan unto Jacob their father. And they 
told him, saying, "Joseph is yet alive, and he is 
ruler over all the land of Egypt." 

And his heart fainted, for he beheved them not. 
And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he 
had said unto them: and w^hen he saw the wagons 
which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of 
Jacob their father revived: and Israel said, ''It is 
enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and 
see him before I die." 



^2 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And he sent Judah before him unto Joseph, to show 
the way before him unto Goshen ; and they came unto 
the land of Goshen. And Joseph made ready his 
chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to 
Goshen. And he presented himself unto him, and 
fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 

And Israel said unto Joseph, "Now let me die, 
since I have seen thy face, that thou art yet alive." 

And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, and set 
him before Pharaoh: and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 
And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, "How many are the 
days of the years of thy life ?" 

And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, " The days of the 
years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty 
years: few and evil have been the days of the years 
of my life, and they have not attained unto the days 
of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of 
their pilgrimage." 

And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from 
the presence of Pharaoh. And Joseph placed his 
father and his brethren, and gave them a possession 
in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

73. This a rather long chapter, but it is so full of interest 
that it would not be well to divide it. Recall the last chapter 
and tell what was the condition in Egypt and what was 
Joseph's position. 

74 (§25A). We turn back in our story to what persons? 
What was happening to them ? What was this journey, who 



JOSEPH, THE GENEROUS 83 

went, why did they go, who remained behind? Compare 
this with Abraham's journey (§4). 

75 (§256). How did Joseph feel when he saw his brothers 
after so many years? How did he recognize them, while 
they did not know him ? Notice how roughly he treats them. 
He is going to see whether they care for the youngest brother 
Benjamin. How does he do this? We saw in the life of 
Jacob how an old sin comes back. So it is here, as the brothers 
realize. How does the interview end ? 

76 (§250). What happened about the money? Describe 
the report that they made to Jacob. 

77 (§26A). Why did they need to go to Egypt again? 
What did Judah say to his father ? How did Jacob at last 
consent ? 

78 (§26B). Joseph is not yet ready to tell them of his for- 
giveness, because he wants them to be really repentant. He 
has a very good plan in his mind. What took place between 
the brothers and the steward ? 

79 (§26C). This description is very beautiful. What were 
Joseph's feelings when he saw Benjamin? How was the 
feast arranged ? Notice that Joseph ate apart as the Egyptian 
custom required. How surprised they were that they should 
be seated according to their ages! 

80 (§2 7A). What was Joseph's plan about the cup? Tell 
the story of the arrest. Notice the custom of expressing sor- 
row. The brothers find themselves in a hard case. Once, 
when they were guilty, they had been able to escape detection; 
now, when they are innocent, they cannot escape. What was 
Joseph's harsh decision ? 

81 (§27B). The brothers had not cared that Joseph should 
be sold as a slave and Jacob should be heartbroken. But now 
when Benjamin is to be a slave they feel different. Why is 
this? Tell in your own words Judah's noble speech. See 
how completely Joseph has brought his brothers to repentance. 



84 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

82 (§270). Notice (i) Joseph's loving words, (2) his faith 
in God's providence, (3) his message to his father, (4) his 
affection for his brothers. Have you ever known forgiveness 
to do any good ? 

83 (§28). How did Jacob receive the good news that Joseph 
was ahve ? Goshen was a fertile part of Egypt in which the 
Hebrews were to live. Describe the meeting of the father and 
son. Notice the formal presentation of Jacob to the king, and 
how stately is the old patriarch as he blesses the king. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short story on "How Joseph Brought His Brothers 
to Repent." Show (i) why he treated them roughly; (2) 
why he made them bring Benjamin; (3) why he put Benja- 
min into danger; (4) what Judah offered; (5) how Joseph 
forgave them all. 



MOSES 



IX. Moses' Early Life 
X. Moses' Commission 
XI. Moses, the Deliverer 
XII. Moses, the Lawgiver 



IX. MOSES' EARLY LIFE 

THE STORY 

§29. The Oppression of the Hebrews (Exod. 
I :6-i2, 22) 

And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that 
generation. And the children of Israel were fruitful, 
and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and 
waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled 
with them. 

Now there arose a new king over Egypt, which 
knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, 
" Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more 
and mightier than we : come, let us deal wisely with 
them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, 
when there falleth out any war, they also join them- 
selves unto our enemies, and fight against us, and get 
them up out of the land." 

Therefore, they did set over them taskmasters 
to afflict them with their burdens. And they built 
for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses. But 
the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied 
and the more they spread abroad. And they were 
grieved because of the children of Israel. 

And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, 
''Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, 
and every daughter ye shall save alive." 

«7 



88 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

§30. The Birth and Adoption of Moses (Exod. 2 : i-io) 

And there went a man of the house of Levi,, and 

took to wife a daughter of Levi. And the woman 

bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a 




Cofy)'L^^liL igo^uy Underwood aitci Uiiderivood 

THE SIXTY- FIVE- FOOT PORTRAIT STATUES OF RAMSES II 



goodly child, she hid him three months. And when 
she could not longer hide him, she took for him an 
ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with 
pitch : and she put the child therein, and laid it in the 



MOSES' EARLY LIFE 89 

flags by the river's brink. And his sister stood afar 
off, to know what would be done to him. And the 
daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the 
river; and her maidens walked along by the river 
side; and she saw the ark among the flags, and sent 
her handmaid to fetch it. And she opened it, and 
saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. 

And she had compassion on him, and said, " This 
is one of the Hebrews' children." 

Then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, " Shall 
I go and call thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that 
she may nurse the child for thee ?" 

And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, " Go." 

And the maid went and called the child's mother. 
And Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, " Take this 
child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give 
thee thy wages." 

And the woman took the child, and nursed it. 
And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pha- 
raoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she 
called his name Moses. 

§31. The Young Man's Unwise Methods (Exod. 
2:11-15) 

And it came to pass in those days, when Moses 
was grown up, that he went out unto his brethren, 
and looked on their burdens : and he saw an Egyptian 
smiting a Hebrew, one of his brethren. And he 
looked this w^ay and that way, and when he saw that 



90 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

there was no man, he smote the Egyptian, and hid 
him in the sand. And he went out the second day, 
and, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together : 
and he said to him that did the wrong, "Wherefore 
smitest thou thy fellow?" And he said, "Who 
made thee a prince and a judge over us ? thinkest 
thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian?" 
And Moses feared, and said, ''Surely the thing is 
known." Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he 
sought to slay Moses. 

§32. Moses in Midian (Exod. 2:16-22) 
Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in 
the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well. 
Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters : and 
they came and drew water, and filled the trough to 
water their father's flock. And the shepherds came 
and drove them away: but Moses stood up and 
helped them, and watered their flock. And when 
they came to Reuel their father, he said, ''How is it 
that ye are come so soon to-day ? " And they said, 
''An Egyptian delivered us out of the hands of the 
shepherds, and moreover he drew water for us, and 
watered the flock." And he said unto his daughters, 
"And where is he ? why is it that ye have left the man ? 
call him, that he may eat bread." And Moses was con- 
tent to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses 
Zipporah his daughter, and she bare a son, and he 
called his name Gershom: for he said, "I have been 
a sojourner in a strange land." 



MOSES' EARLY LIFE 91 

§33. The Unhappy Hebrews (Exod. 2:23-25) 
And it came to pass in the course of those many 
dayS; that the king of Egypt died: and the children 
of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they 
cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of 
the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and 
God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with 
Isaac, and with Jacob. And God saw the children 
of Israel, and God took knowledge of them. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 
84. In any nation one of the greatest heroes is the man who 
was the founder of the national life. The Italians look to the 
great Garibaldi, who delivered them from their enemies and 
brought about a united Italy. Americans call Washington 
the father of his country, because he was the leader in the 
great struggle to make America a nation. The Hebrews 
always looked back to Moses as their great deliverer, .who 
brought them out of Egypt and made them a nation. The 
study of this hero takes us to the second book of the Bible, 
which is called Exodus, meaning "Going out," because it gives 
the story of the escape of the Hebrews from Egypt. 

85 (§29). In the last chapter we were studying about a 
small tribe of people. Now we find that a long time has passed 
and the people have greatly increased in numbers. Consider 
how the negroes have increased in numbers since the War. 
There were then four millions. How many are there now ? 

86 (§29). There probably arose a new dynasty, or line of 
kings. What did the king fear might happen if the Hebrews 
grew too numerous ? These Pharaohs were mighty builders. 
What great objects had some of the earHer Pharaohs built? 
They loved to have splendid palaces and temples and strong 



92 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

fortifications. As there was no machinery, this work required 
great numbers of men. In the wars of those days all prisoners 
were made slaves and compelled to work. So the Egyptians 
treated the Hebrews as if they were prisoners. What kind of 
labor were they compelled to do ? 

87 (§29). We get a glimpse into the awful harshness of that 
old slavery. As we see the pictures of the magnificent struc- 
tures of those days we remember that they cost the lives of 
millions of human beings. We have done away with slavery, 
but are not people still compelled to work in awful conditions ? 
There are very many occupations where the health of the 
laborers is broken down and their lives shortened. We have 
still a great deal to learn about how men ought to labor. 

88 (§29). When the harsh slavery did not prevent the 
increase of the Hebrews, it was brutally determined to murder 
them. What was the plan ? The girls were saved because 
they could not fight. 

89 (§30). Doubtless many of the Hebrew children were 
drowned, but one mother was determined to save her boy. 
Tell the story of how he was hidden and found and 
saved, 

90 (§30). By the happy plan of the mother and sister the 
boy could be brought up safely in his own home. But he was 
also to have the opportunity of training in the royal palace. 
What did it mean that he was adopted by the princess ? 

91 (§31). Which people would it have been most profitable 
for Moses to belong to — the Egyptians or the Hebrews? 
Sometimes we see a boy who is clever and fortunate separating 
himself from his family. How did Moses feel when he grew 
up and saw the sad condition of his people? What hasty 
thing did he do ? Was Moses justified in that act ? Let us 
see how it turned out. 

92 (§31). The young man was not only anxious to save his 
people from tyranny but also from quarreling among them- 



MOSES' EARLY LIFE 93 

selves. What happened the next day ? People are not always 
willing to take good advice. What danger was Moses in ? 

93 (§32)- What was Moses obliged to do because he had 
killed the Eg}nptian overseer? Locate Midian. When 
Moses was off in the desert, a fugitive from justice, could he 
help his people ? Was not his hasty act unwise ? Do you 
remember someone attacking saloons with a hatchet ? Can 
we often do good by violence ? Sometimes we are very indig- 
nant because we see injustice, but in the long run we shall 
gain all good ends by peaceful means. Lynching is a poor 
way to secure justice. 

94 (§32). Notice that the girls were in charge of the flocks 
What did the rude shepherds do ? Again ]\Ioses interferes 
to help the weak, but this time he seems to have done it 
without fighting. Why did the girls think IMoses was an 
Egyptian ? How did it all turn out ? 

95 {^^s)- Meantime everything looked very dark for the 
Hebrews. But God was preparing a man to save them. 
Would it have been a good thing for the Hebrews to have been 
happy in Egypt and to have stayed there and become Egyp- 
tians ? Would it have been well if the Pilgrims had been well 
treated in England and had stayed there ? Are our troubles 
ever good for us ? Who is watching all the time ? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short story of Moses' deliverance, telling (i) why 
boy babies were in danger; (2) how the mother hid Moses; 
(3) how he was discovered; (4) how he was cared for; (5) 
how he was adopted. 



X. MOSES' COMMISSION 

THE STORY 

§34. The Call in the Wilderness (Exod. 

3:1-11; 4:1-17) 

A. THE BURNING BUSH 

Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his 
father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the 
flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to the 
mountain of God, unto Horeb. And the angel of 
the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of 
the midst of a bush : and he looked, and, behold, the 
bush burned with fire, and the bush was not con- 
sumed. 

And Moses said, ''I will turn aside now, and see 
this great sight, why the bush is not burnt." 

And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to 
see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, 
and said, "Moses, Moses." 

And he said, "Here am I." 

And he said, "Draw not nigh hither: put off thy 
shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou 
standest is holy ground. I am the God of thy 
father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and 
the God of Jacob." 

And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look 
upon God. And the Lord said, " I have surely seen 

94 



MOSES' COMMISSION 95 

the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and 
have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; 
for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to 
deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to 
bring them up out of that land unto a good land and 
a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. 
Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto 



ORIENTAL SANDALS 

Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the 
children of Israel out of Egypt." 

B. MOSES' HESITATION 

And Moses said unto God, "Who am I, that I 
should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring 
forth the children of Israel out of Egypt ? Behold, 
they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice : 
for they will say, 'The Lord hath not appeared 
unto thee.'" 

And the Lord said unto him, "What is that in 
thine hand?" 



96 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And he said, "A rodo" 

And he said, "Cast it on the ground." 

And he cast it on the ground, and it became a 
serpent; and Moses fled from before it. 

And the Lord said unto Moses, 'Tut forth thine 
hand and take it by the tail." 

And he put forth his hand, and laid hold of it, and 
it became a rod in his hand. 

And the Lord said furthermore unto him, "Put 
now thine hand into thy bosom." 

And he put his hand into his bosom: and when 
he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, as 
white as snow. 

And he said, "Put thine hand into thy 'bosom 
again." 

And he put his hand into his bosom again; and 
when he took it out of his bosom, behold, it was 
turned again as his other flesh. 

And the Lord said, "It shall come to pass, if they 
will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of 
the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the 
latter sign." 

And Moses said unto the Lord, " Oh Lord, I am 
not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast 
spoken unto thy servant: for I am slow of speech, 
and of a slow tongue." 

And the Lord said unto him, "Who hath made 
man's mouth ? or who maketh a man dumb, or deaf, 
or seeing, or blind ? is it not I the Lord ? Now 



MOSES' COMMISSION 97 

therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach 
thee what thou shalt speak." 

And he said, " Oh Lord, send, I pray thee, by the 
hand of another whom thou wilt choose." 

And the anger of the Lord was kindled against 
Moses, and he said, " Is there not Aaron thy brother ? 
I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, 
he Cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth 
thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt 
speak unto him, and put the words in his mouth: 
and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, 
and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be 
thy spokesman unto the people. And thou shalt 
take in thine hand this rod, wherewith thou shalt 
do the signs." 

And the Lord said to Aaron, " Go into the wilder- 
ness to meet Moses." 

And he went, and met him in the mountain of 
God, and kissed him. And Moses told Aaron all the 
words of the Lord wherewith he had sent him, 
and all the signs wherewith he had charged 
him. 

§35. The Return to Egypt (Exod. 4: 18, 20, 27-31) 

And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father- 
in-law, and said unto him, "Let me go, I pray 
thee, and return unto my brethren which are in 
Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive." 

And Jethro said to Moses, " Go in peace." 



90 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set 
them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of 
Egypt. 

And Moses and Aaron went and gathered to- 
gether all the elders of the children of Israel: and 
Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had 
spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of 
the people. And the people believed: and when 
they heard that the Lord had visited the children 
of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then 
they bowed their heads and worshipped. 

§36. Pharaoh's Harshness (Exod. 5 : i — 6: i) 

A. THE CHALLENGE 

And afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said 
unto Pharaoh, "Thus saith the Lord, the God of 
Israel, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a 
feast unto me in the wilderness.'" 

And Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord, that I 
should hearken unto his voice to let Israel go? I 
know not the Lord, and moreover I will not let 
Israel go." 

And they said, "The God of the Hebrews hath 
met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days' 
journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice unto the 
Lord our God." 

And the king of Egypt said unto them, "Where- 
fore do ye, Moses and Aaron, loose the people from 
their work ? get you unto your burdens. Behold, 



MOSES' COMMISSION 99 

the people of the land are now many, and ye make 
them rest from their burdens." 

B. THE BITTER BONDAGE 

And the same day Pharaoh commanded the task- 
masters of the people, and their officers, saying, 
*'Ye shall no more give the people straw to make 
brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw 
for themselves. And the number of the bricks, 
which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon 
them; ye shall not diminish aught thereof: for they 
be idle; therefore they cry, saying, 'Let us go and 
sacrifice to our God.' Let heavier work be laid 
upon the men, that they may labor therein; and 
let them not regard lying words." 

And the taskmasters of the people went out, and 
their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, 
"Thus saith Pharaoh, 'I will not give you straw. 
Go yourselves, get you straw where ye can find it: 
for. nought of your work shall be diminished.' " 

So the people were scattered abroad throughout 
all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. 
And the taskmasters were urgent, saying, '' Fulfil 
your works, your daily tasks, as when there was 
straw." And the officers of the children of Israel, 
which Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were 
beaten, and demanded, ''Wherefore have ye not 
fulfilled your task both yesterday and to-day, in 
making brick as heretofore?" 



lOO HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Then the officers of the children of Israel came and 
cried unto Pharaoh, saying, "Wherefore dealest 
thou thus with thy servants ? There is no straw 
given unto thy servants, and they say to us, 'Make 
brick': and behold, thy servants are beaten; but 
the fault is in thine own people." 

But he said, "Ye are idle, ye are idle: therefore 
ye say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.' Go 
therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw 
be given you, yet shall ye deliver the number of 
bricks." 

And the officers of the children of Israel did see 
that they were in evil case, and they met Moses and 
Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth 
from Pharaoh: and they said unto them, "The 
Lord look upon you, and judge; because ye have 
made us to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and 
in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their 
hand to slay us." 

C. THE PROMISE OF THE LORD 

And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, 
"Ivord, wherefore hast thou evil entreated this peo- 
ple ? why is it that thou hast sent me ? For since I 
came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath evil 
entreated this people; neither hast thou delivered 
thy people at all." 

And the Lord said unto Moses, "Now shalt thou 
see what I will do to Pharaoh : for by a strong hand 



MOSES' COMMISSION loi 

shall he let them go, and by a strong hand shall he 
drive them out of his land." 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

96 (§34A). We left Moses in Midian. Locate it again on 
the map. With whom did he live ? What was his occupa- 
tion? Notice that he came to Mt. Horeb, which is also 
called Mt. Sinai. Locate it on the map. 

97 (§34A). As Moses was alone in the wilderness, his 
thoughts would naturally turn to his people. What would 
he wish for them ? How greatly they needed a leader ! If ever 
the thought occurred to him that he ought to be their leader, 
how would he feel about it ? At last God's message came to 
him. It is one of the beautiful stories of God speaking to 
man. How was Moses told to show his reverence? It is 
the custom in the East. How could they take off their shoes 
so easily? (See illustration of the sandal.) What custom 
do we have to show reverence ? How did Moses show a still 
deeper reverence ? 

98 (§34A). What did God tell Moses? It might have 
seemed to the lonely exile that the Lord had forgotten all about 
the people in bondage. A commission is a duty given to a 
man: what was Moses' commission? At last God's plan for 
poor Israel was clear. The deliverer had been found. 

99 (§34B). It was a startling commission for Moses. He 
remembered how the people had treated him when he had tried 
to help them. (Recall §31.) What was he now afraid of? 
Tell the story of the signs with which the Lord gave him 
confidence. People were always anxious for something won- 
derful in those old days. 

100 (§346). Moses had another reason for hesitation. Is 
humility a good preparation for a great work or is confidence 
better ? How does the Lord fit an earnest man for his work ? 
Humility is not good when it is through lack of faith. "The 



I02 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

anger of the Lord" means his displeasure at what is not right. 
Who was sent with Moses ? 

loi (§35). How did Moses act after receiving the commis- 
sion. Did he tell his father-in-law his plans ? Describe the 




Copyright zg04 hy Under-vood attd Underwood 

BRICK-MAKING IN EGYPT 

meeting, as you may imagine it, between the two brothers and 
the Hebrew people. 

102 (§36A). It was a bold thing to go to the king. What did 
Moses and Aaron demand ? What did the king say about the 
Lord ? What did he say Moses and Aaron were doing ? 

103 (§366). Brick was made from the black Nile mud 



MOSES' COMMISSION 103 

mixed with sand and with chopped straw. There are pictures 
in Egypt of captives making these bricks with overseers guard- 
ing them. The soft mud would be put into a wooden mold, 
which would then be lifted off and the brick left to dry in 
the sun. Sometimes the captives had to gather waste 
material or stubble instead of straw. Why was this such a 
hardship to the Hebrews ? 

104 (§366). Note how the orders were carried out. There 
are two classes of officials mentioned: the Egyptian task- 
masters and the Hebrew officers. The latter were responsible 
for the full work being done by their countrymen. Tell the 
whole story of the bondage. 

105 (§366). Describe the interview of the officers with 
Pharaoh. How did they feel toward Moses and Aaron ? 

106 (§360). How did all this affect Moses? It is often 
darkest just before day. What did the Lord promise ? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Think of Moses as wandering with his flocks and thinking 
about his unhappy countrymen in Egypt, and then suddenly 
seeing the burning bush and receiving his commission. W^rite 
the story just as it seems to you that it happened. 



XL MOSES, THE DELIVERER 

THE STORY 

§37. The Plagues of Egypt (Exod. 7 : 14-18, 25 ; 8 : 1-4, 
6, 8, 13, 15-17, 20-24, 28, 31, 32; 9:1-6, 8, 9, 22-28, 
33, 34; 10:3-6, 14, 19-23, 28, 29; 11:4-8; 12:29-36) 

A. THE NILE TURNED TO BLOOD 

And the Lord said unto Moses, "Pharaoh's heart 
is stubborn, he refuseth to let the people go. Get 
thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out 
unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's 
brink to meet him; and the rod which was turned to 
a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. And thou 
shalt say unto him, 'The Lord, the God of the 
Hebrews, hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my 
people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness : 
and, behold hitherto thou hast not hearkened. Thus 
saith the Lord, In this thou shalt know that I am 
the Lord : behold, I will smite with the rod that is in 
mine hand upon the waters which are in the river 
and they shall be turned to blood. And the fish that 
is in the river shall die, and the river shall be polluted; 
and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink water from 
the river.'" 

B. THE SWARMS OF FROGS 

And seven days were fulfilled, after that the Lord 
had smitten the river. And the Lord spake unto 

104 



MOSES, THE DELIVERER 105 

Moses, "Go in unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, 
'Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they 
may serve me. And if thou refuse to let them go, 
behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: and 
the river shall swarm with frogs, whieh shall go up 
and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, 
'and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, 
and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into 
thy kneading-troughs : and the frogs shall come up 
both upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon all 
thy servants.'" 

And the frogs came up, and covered the land of 
Egypt. Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, 
and said, "Entreat the Lord, that he take away the 
frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the 
people go, that they may sacrifice unto the Lord." 

And the frogs died, but when Pharaoh saw that 
there was respite, he hardened his heart. 

C. THE STINGING GNATS AND SWARMS OF FLIES 

And the Lord said unto Moses, "Stretch out thy 
rod, and smite the dust of the earth, that it may 
become stinging gnats throughout all the land of 
Egypt." And there were gnats upon man, and upon 
beast; all the dust of the earth became gnats through- 
out all the land of Egypt. 

And the Lord said unto Moses, "Rise up early in 
the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; and say 
unto him, ' Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go. 



io6 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

that they may serve me. Else, if thou wilt not let 
my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon 
thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, 
and into thy houses : and the houses of the Egyptians 
shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground 
whereon they are. And I will separate in that day 
the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that 
no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou 
mayest know that I am the Lord in the midst of the 
earth.' " 

And the Lord did so; and there came grievous 
swarms of flies into all the land of Egypt. And 
Pharaoh said, "I will let you go, that ye may sacri- 
fice to the Lord your God in the wilderness." 

And the Lord removed the swarms of flies from 
Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; 
there remained not one. And Pharaoh hardened 
his heart this time also, and he did not let the 
people go. 

D. THE CATTLE PESTILENCE AND THE BOILS 

Then the Lord said unto Moses, ''Go in unto 
Pharaoh, and tell him, 'Thus saith the Lord, the 
God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they 
may serve me. For if thou refuse to let them go, and 
wilt hold them still, behold, the hand of the Lord is 
upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, 
upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the herds, and 
upon the flocks : there shall be a very grievous pesti- 



MOSES, THE DELIVERER 107 

lence. And the Lord shall separate between the 
cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there 
shall nothing die of all that belongeth to the children 
of Israel.'" 

And on the morrow all the cattle of Egypt died: 
but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. 

And the Lord said unto Moses and unto Aaron, 
"Take handfuls of ashes, and let Moses sprinkle it 
toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. And it 
shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, 
and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon 
man and upon beast, throughout all the land of 
Egypt." 

E. THE HAIL, THE LOCUSTS, AND THE DARKNESS 

And the Lord said unto Moses, "Stretch forth 
thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail 
in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, 
and upon every herb of the field." So there was 
hail, and fire mingled with, the hail, very grievous, 
such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since 
it became a nation. And the hail smote all that 
was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail 
smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree 
of the field. Only in the land of Goshen, where the 
children of Israel were, was there no hail. And 
Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and 
said unto them, "I have sinned this time. I will let 
you go, and ye shall stay no longer." 



lo8 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was 
not poured upon the earth. And when Pharaoh saw 
that the rain and the hail and the thunders were 
ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, 
he and his servants. 

And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and 
said unto him, " Thus saith the Lord, the God of the 
Hebrews, ' How long wilt thou refuse to humble thy- 
self before me ? let my people go, that they may serve 
me. Else, if thou refuse to let my people go, behold, 
tomorrow I will bring locusts into thy border: and 
they shall cover the face of the earth, that one shall 
not be able to see the earth : and they shall eat that 
which remaineth unto you from the hail, and shall 
eat every tree which groweth for you out of the field : 
and thy houses shall be filled, and the houses of all 
thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; as 
neither thy fathers nor thy fathers' fathers have seen, 
since the day that they were upon the earth unto 
this day.'" 

And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land 
of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind upon 
the land all that day, and all the night ; and when it 
was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 
And they did eat every herb of the land, and all the 
fruit of the trees which the hail had left. 

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in 
haste; and he said, "I have sinned against the Lord 
your Godj and against you." 



MOSES, THE DELIVERER 109 

And the Lord turned an exceeding strong west 
wind, which took up the locusts, and drove them into 
the Red Sea; there remained not one locust in all 
the border of Egypt. But Pharaoh did not let the 
children of Israel go. 

And the Lord said unto Moses, " Stretch out thine 
hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness 
over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be 
felt." 

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven, 
and there was a thick darkness in all the land of 
Egypt three days; they saw not one another, neither 
rose any from his place for three days: but all the 
children of Israel had light in their dwellings. 

F. THE LAST PLAGUE 

And Pharaoh said unto Moses, " Get thee from 
me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in 
the day thou seest my face thou shalt die." 

And Moses said, "Thus saith the Lord, 'About 
midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt : and 
all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from 
the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, 
even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is 
behind the mill; and all the firstborn of cattle. And 
there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of 
Egypt, such as there hath been none like it, nor shall 
be like it any more.' But against any of the children 
of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man 



no HEROES OF ISRAEL 

or beast : that ye may know how that the Lord doth 
put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. 
And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, 
and bow down themselves unto me, saying, 'Get 
thee out, and all the people that follow thee': and 
after that I will go out." And he went out from 
Pharaoh in hot anger. 

And it came to pass at midnight, that the Lord 
smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the 
firstborn of Pharaoh that sat ^on his throne unto the 
firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; 
and all the firstborn of cattle. And Pharaoh rose 
up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the 
Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for 
there was not a house where there was not one dead. 
And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and 
said, '' Rise up, get you forth from among my people, 
both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the 
Lord, as ye have said. Take both your flocks and 
your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless 
me also." 

And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, to 
send them out of the land in haste; for they said, 
"We be all dead men." 

And the children of Israel did according to the 
word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians 
jewels of silver,' and jewels of gold, and raiment: 
and the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the 
Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. 



MOSES, THE DELIVERER m 

§38. The Great Deliverance (Exod. 13:17, 18, 21, 22; 
14:5-7, 10-14, 19-27) 

A. THE FLIGHT AND PURSUIT 

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the 
people go, that God led them not by the way of the 
land of the Philistines, although that was near; for 
God said, ''Lest peradventure the people repent 
when they see war, and they return to Egypt": but 
God led the people about, by the way of the wilder- 
ness by the Red Sea : and the children of Israel went 
up armed out of the land of Egypt. 

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar 
of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a 
pillar of fire, to give them light; that they might go 
by day and by night : the pillar of cloud by day, and 
the pillar of fire by night, departed not from before 
the people. 

And it was told the king of Egypt that the people 
were fled : and the heart of Pharaoh and of his serv- 
ants was changed towards the people, and they said, 
''What is this we have done, that we have let Israel 
go from serving us?" And he made ready his 
chariot, and took his people with him: and he took 
six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of 
Egypt, and captains over all of them. 

And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of 
Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians 
marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and 



112 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. And 
they said unto Moses, "Because there were no 
graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die 
in the wilderness ? wherefore hast thou dealt thus 
with us, to bring us forth out of Egypt ? Is not this 
the word that we spake unto thee in Egypt, saying, 
'Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians'? 
For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, 
than that we should die in the wilderness." 

And Moses said unto the people, "Fear ye not, 
stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which 
he will work for you to-day : for the Egyptians whom 
ye have seen to-day, ye shall see them again no more 
for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall 
hold your peace." 

B. THE PASSAGE OF THE RED SEA 

And the angel of God, which went before the camp 
of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the 
pillar of cloud removed from before them, and stood 
behind them: and it came between the camp of 
Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the 
cloud and the darkness, yet gave it Hght by night : and 
the one came not near the other all the night. And 
Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the 
Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind 
all the night, and made the sea dry land. And the 
children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon 
the dry ground. And the Egyptians pursued, and 



MOSES, THE DELIVERER 113 

went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pha- 
raoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And 
it came to pass in the morning watch, that the Lord 
looked forth upon the host of the Egyptians through 
the pillar of fire and of cloud, and discomfited the 
host of the Egyptians. And he took off their chariot 
wheels, that they drove them heavily: so that the 
Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the face of 
Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the 
Egyptians." 

And the Lord said unto Moses, '^ Stretch out thine 
hand over the sea, that the waters may come again 
upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon 
their horsemen." And Moses stretched forth his hand 
over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when 
the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled 
against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in 
the midst of the sea. 

§39. The Song of the Exodus (Exod. 14:30, 31; 
15:1, 2, 20, 21) 

Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the 
hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyp- 
tians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw the 
great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians, 
and the people feared the Lord: and they believed 
in the Lord, and in his servant Moses. 

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this 
song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, 



114 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed 
gloriously : 

The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the 
sea. 

The Lord is my strength and song, 

And he is become my salvation : 

This is my God and I will praise him; 

My father's God, and I will exalt him. 

And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, 
took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women 
went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 
And Miriam answered them. 

Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed glo- 
riously ; 

The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the 
sea. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY ' 

107. The story of the deliverance from Egypt makes a 
long chapter, but it is full of exciting interest and shows the 
fearless character of the great leader who trusted in his God. 
It was a bold thing for Moses to return to Egypt and try to 
persuade the king to let Israel go. But when he was sent to 
threaten Pharaoh it was indeed a task requiring courage. 
Imagine a single man today demanding of the sultan of Turkey 
that he should free his slaves. 

108 (§37). Moses was sent to tell the king that terrible 
plagues would come upon his people if he refused to let the 
Hebrews go. Ten plagues are mentioned. Nine of them were 
as follows: (i) the water of the Nile turned to blood-red color 
and made undrinkable; (2) enormous numbers of frogs; (3) 



MOSES, THE DELIVERER 1 15 

swarms of stinging insects, perhaps gnats or mosquitoes; (4) 
swarms of flies, which would be terrible in a hot country; (5) 
a cattle pestilence; (6) fearful boils on men and cattle; (7) 
destructive hail; (8) locusts that ate vegetation; (9) the awful 
hot desert wind filling the air with fine sand and causing 
darkness. 

109 (§37). When Pharaoh was frightened by each of the 
plagues, what did he promise? What made him break his 
promise? Did you ever know anyone who was sorry for 
doing wrong when the punishment came, but forgot his 
promises afterward ? 

no (§37F). What did Pharaoh threaten Moses after the 
ninth plague? What did Moses say should be the last 
plague? Probably some sudden terrible pestilence came 
upon Egypt. Tell the story of that night. 

111 (§38A). Study the map and notice what a short journey 
it would be from Egypt along the coast to the Philistine 
country. But the borders of Egypt were strongly guarded, 
so that was a dangerous way to go. What might have hap- 
pened if the Hebrews had seen that they would have to fight ? 

112 (§38A). Moses was a wise leader. He knew he had 
a host of slaves, who had not learned courage. So he led 
them southward toward the Red Sea. There was a road 
leading to the wilderness near the Bitter Lakes. Locate 
this. 

113 (§38A). What happened when the Egyptians found 
that the people had actually gone ? What did the Hebrews 
say when they learned that Pharaoh was following them? 
How did Moses encourage them ? 

114 (§38B). The Hebrews were in a very difiicult situation. 
They had come to a place where the water from the Red Sea 
ran far up the low-lying sands. What great canal has since 
been dug there? The water was too deep for the Hebrews 
to cross. Pharaoh's army was coming up behind. The only 



Ii6 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

thing that could save Israel would be a strong wind that 
should drive the waters back and leave the sands clear. How 
often God's great Providence helps his people in trouble! 
Moses bravely encouraged them. 

115 (§386). What separated the Israehtes from the Egyp- 
tians? What made the crossing possible? What trouble 
did the Egyptians experience ? What would naturally 
happen if the high wind stopped after the Israelites had 
crossed ? Tell the story of the deliverance. 

116 (§39). What do you think were the feehngs of Israel 
when they found themselves safe ? Recite the song in which 
they celebrated their escape? What does ''Exodus" mean? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short story, telling what kind of a leader you think 
Moses was. 



XII. MOSES, THE LAWGIVER 

THE STORY 

§40. The Law at Sinai (Exod. 15:22-25, 27; 19:1) 

A. THE MARCH AND THE MURMURING 

And Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, 
and they went three days in the wilderness, and found 
no water. And when they came to Marah, they 
could not drink of the waters for they were bitter. 
And the people murmured against Moses, saying, 
"What shall we drink?" And he cried unto the 
Lord; and the Lord showed him a tree, and he cast 
it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. 

And they came to Elim, where were twelve springs 
of water, and threescore and ten palm trees : and they 
encamped there by the waters. And they took their 
journey from Elim, and in the third month they came 
to the wilderness of Sinai; and there Israel encamped 
before the mount. 

B. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 

And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called 
unto him out of the mountain, saying, " Thus shalt 
thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children 
of Israel; 

I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the 
land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, 

117 



ii8 



HEROES OF ISRAEL 



Thou shalt have none other gods before me. 

Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor the 
likeness of any form that is in heaven above, or that is in 
the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 




MOSES 



thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: 
for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the in- 
iquity of the fathers upon the children, upon the third and 
upon the fourth generation of them that hate me; and 



MOSES, THE LAWGIVER IIQ 

showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and 
keep my commandments. 

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in 
vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh 
his name in vain. 

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days 
shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day 
is a sabbath unto the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do 
any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man- 
servant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger 
that is within thy gates : for in six days the Lord made heaven 
and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the 
seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, 
and hallowed it. 

Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may 
be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth 
thee. 

Thou shalt do no murder. 

Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

Thou shalt not steal. 

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not 
covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid- 
servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy 
neighbor's. 

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the 
lightnings, and the voice of the trumpet, and the 
mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, 
they trembled, and stood afar off. And they said 
unto Moses, " Speak thou with us, and we will hear: 
but let not God speak with us, lest we die." 

And Moses said unto the people, "Fear not: for 



I20 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be 
before you, that ye sin not." 

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew 
near unto the thick darkness where God was. 

§41. The Great Rebellion (Exod. 24:13, 18; 
32:1-8, 15-20, 30-35) 

A. THE GOLDEN CALF 

And Moses and Joshua his minister went up into 
the mount of God. And Moses was in the mount 
forty days and forty nights. And when the people 
saw that Moses delayed to come down from the 
mount, the people gathered themselves together unto 
Aaron, and said unto him, "Up, make us gods, 
which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the 
man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we 
know not what is become of him." 

And Aaron said unto them, '^ Break off the golden 
rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your 
sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me." 

And all the people brake off the golden rings which 
were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. 
And he received it at their hand, and fashioned it 
with a graving tool, and made it a molten calf: and 
they said, ''These be thy gods, O Israel, which 
brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." 

And when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before 
it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, "To- 
morrow shall be a feast to the Lord." 



MOSES, THE LAWGIVER 121 

And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered 
burnt offerings, and brought peace offermgs; and 
the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose 
up to play. 

And the Lord spake unto Moses, "Go, get thee 
down; for thy people, which thou broughtest up out 
of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: 
they have turned aside quickly out of the way which 
I commanded them : they have made them a molten 
calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed 
unto it." 

And Moses turned and went down from the mount 
with the two tables in his hand. And when Joshua 
heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he 
said unto Moses, "There is a noise of war in the 
camp." 

And he said, " It is not the voice of them that shout 
for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry 
for being overcome : but the noise of them that sing 
do I hear." 

And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto 
the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing : and 
Moses' anger w^axed hot, and he cast the tables out 
of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. 
And he took the calf which they had made, and 
burnt it with fire, and ground it to powder, and 
strewed it upon the water, and made the children of 
Israel drink of it. 



122 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

B. MOSES' PRAYER 

And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses 
said unto the people, "Ye have sinned a great sin: 
and now I will go up unto the Lord; per ad venture 
I shall make atonement for your sin." 

And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, " Oh, 
this people have sinned a great sin, and have made 
them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive 
their sin — ; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of 
thy book which thou hast written." 

And the Lord said unto Moses, "Whosoever hath 
sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. 
And now go, lead the people unto the place of which 
I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine angel shall 
go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit, 
I will visit their sin upon them." 

And the Lord smote the people, because they 
made the calf, which Aaron made. 

[The people were forgiven, but again and again 
they rebelled. Moses prayed for them, but the Lord 
said they must wander in the wilderness forty years. 
At last Moses led them to the plains of Moab and to 
the river Jordan, where he made his farewell speech.] 

§42. The Last Days of Moses (Deut. 31 : 1-3, 
6-8; chap. 34) 

A. THE FAREWELL SPEECH 

And Moses spake these words unto all Israel, 
"I am a hundred and twenty years old this day; I 



MOSES, THE LAWGIVER 123 

can no more go out and come in : and the Lord hath 
said unto me, ' Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.' 
The Lord thy God, he will go over before thee; he 
will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou 
shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over 
before thee, as the Lord hath spoken. Be strong and 
of a good courage, fear not, nor be affrighted at them: 
for the Lord thy God, he it is- that doth go with thee; 
he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." 

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him 
in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and of a good 
courage: for thou shalt go with this people into the 
land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to 
give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. 
And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he 
will be w^ith thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake 
thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." 

B. THE DEATH OF MOSES 

And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto 
mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against 
Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land. 

And the Lord said unto him, "This is the land 
which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto 
Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have 
caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt 
not go over thither." 

So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the 
land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 



124 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab . 
but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. 
And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old 
when he died : his eye was not dim, nor his natural 
force abated. And the children of Israel wept for 
Moses in the plains of 'Moab thirty days. 

And there hath not arisen a prophet since in Israel 
like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face; 
in all the signs and the wonders, which the Lord sent 
him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh, and to 
all his land; and in all the mighty hand, and in all 
the great terror, which Moses wrought in the sight 
of all Israel. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 
117. After the Revolutionary War, the thirteen American 
states adopted a constitution. Washington was the great 
leader. We all honor him now, but during his life many were 
jealous of him and the people often found fault with him and 
lost confidence in him. He was greatly tried and would have 
given up the presidency but for his sense of duty. So it was 
with Moses. He brought deliverance to the people and gave 
them their first great laws, but they constantly murmured 
against him and against God. The long story of his leader- 
ship of Israel during forty years in the wilderness is told in the 
books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. 
We shall study a few of the main incidents. 

118 (§40 A). After the victory over the Egyptians, Moses 
led the people toward Mt. Sinai. Notice on the map the 
mountain range in the Sinai Peninsula. What difficulty soon 
arose? How did the people meet it? This was the begin- 
ning of a number of trials that Moses had in his leadership. 



MOSES, THE LAWGIVER 125 

119 (§4oA). How long did it take to reach Mt. Sinai? 
The gathering at the mountain was a very solemn occasion. 
Israel was to receive a constitution. Think of the solemn 
time when the constitution of the United States was adopted. 

120 (§4oB). What do we call these great words? Every 
student should know them by heart. If they were learned in 
the Primary Department it would be well to recall them. 

121 (§4oB). How were the people impressed by the holy 
law ? Let us understand that when we speak of "the fear of 
the Lord" it does not mean that we are afraid of him, but that 
we have a great reverence for him. 

122 (§4iA). How long had Moses remained in the moun- 
tain to which he had gone to receive the laws ? The people 
could not understand a God whom they could not see. They 
wanted an idol such as the Egyptians had. Tell the story of 
the golden calf. 

123 (§41 A). How did Moses learn of what had happened ? 
What did Moses bring down from the mountain? What 
did Joshua hear ? What did Moses do when he found what 
had happened ? Is it ever right to be angry ? 

124 (§41 B). The people had greatly disappointed Moses, 
but he was very sorry for their sin. He went to pray for them. 
Read carefully his wonderful prayer. Moses well knew God's 
love, but he knew also that wickedness must be punished. 

125. W^e shall consider another great rebellion in connec- 
tion with the next two heroes whom we study. It resulted 
in the Hebrews being sentenced to travel about for forty years. 
Moses led them. He was their chief, ruling over them, and 
their general, enabling them to conquer their enemies. 

126 (§42 A). Moses had led the people for forty years. At- 
last the grand old man brought them to the very border of the 
Promised Land. What river was all that separated them 
from Canaan ? Locate the place of the last camp just oppo- 
site Jericho. The book of Deuteronomy gives the farewell 



126 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

speeches of Moses. This section is a part of what he said to 
them. Tell it in your own words. What great American 
gave a Farewell Message to his countrymen ? 

127 (§426). It was a great disappointment to Moses that 
he could not lead the people into Canaan, but he cheerfully 
accepted God's will. It must have been a wonderful sight 
that the old man saw from the mountain. Imagine yourself 
on Mt. Nebo. Look over Canaan and tell what Moses saw. 
Where did Moses die? How did Israel mourn for him? 
What did the writer of the last verses think of this greatman ? 
Learn Mrs. Alexander's beautiful poem. 

THE BURIAL OF MOSES 

By Nebo's lonely mountain, 

On this side Jordan's wave, 
In a vale in the land of Moab, 

There lies a lonely grave; 
But no man dug that sepulchre, 

And no man saw it e'er. 
For the angels of God upturned the sod, 

And laid the dead man there. 

That was the grandest funeral 

That ever passed on earth; 
But no man heard the tramping, 

Or saw the train go forth. 
Noiselessly as the daylight 

Comes when the night is done. 
And the crimson streak on ocean's cheek 

Grows into the great sun, 

Noiselessly as the springtime 

Her crown of verdure weaves, 
And all the trees on all the hills 

Open their thousand leaves. 
So, without sound of music. 

Or voice of them that wept, 



MOSES, THE LAWGIVER 127 

Silently down from the mountain crown 
The great procession swept. 

This was the bravest warrior 

That ever buckled sword; 
This the most gifted poet 

That ever breathed a word; 
And never earth's philosopher 

Traced, with his golden pen, 
On the deathless page, truths half so sage 

As he wrote down for men. 

And had he not high honor ? 

The hillside for his pall; 
To lie in state while angels wait. 

With stars for tapers tall; 
And the dark rock-pines, like tossing plumes, 

Over his bier to wave; 
And God's own- hand, in that lonely land, 

To lay him in the grave. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Draw a picture of two large tables of stone. Write the first 
five commandments on one, using just the first sentence of 
each commandment. Write the last five commandments on 
the other in full, except that for the tenth commandment use 
only its first four words. Do this very neatly. 



REVIEW 

XIII. The Heroes or Israel's Wanderings 



XIII. THE HEROES OF ISRAEL'S 
■ WANDERINGS 

128. Our studies have brought us to the time when 
the Hebrews were about to enter the land of Canaan. 
Up to that time they were a wandering people going 
from place to place, seeking pasture for their flocks 
or refuge from famine. After they settled down 
they used to tell the stories of the heroes of the old 
wandering days. We have studied five of these. 
Who was called the Father of the Faithful ? Who 
was his son ? Who was the man who gave his name 
to the nation ? Which of his sons became the ruler 
of Egypt ? Who was the deliverer of the people 
from Egypt ? Let us recall some of the stories of 
these five heroes. 

129 (5-7, §2). Tell the story of Abraham's jour- 
ney westward to the new land. Who did he beheve 
called him and led him? What people in our own 
history did we compare with him ? 

130 (12, 13, §5). Abraham had a nephew with 
him : what was his name ? What great wealth- did 
these two men have ? What trouble was caused 
by the increase of their wealth ? How did Abraham 
settle the matter ? Why did we call him " magnani- 
mous"? 

131 (23, 24, §8). Abraham was most anxious to 

131 



132 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

do what he thought was right. Tell the wonderful 
.story of how God showed him that he need not 
sacrifice his son. 

132. Read §iiA and see if you can recall the story 
of Jacob's deception of Isaac. 

133 (50, §16). After many years and after Jacob 
had learned many hard lessons he turned back to his 
own land. Tell the story of his meeting with the 
brother whom he had wronged. 

134 (§19). How many sons had Jacob? Who 
was his favorite ? Why did his brothers hate him ? 
Tell the story of how they sold him as a slave. 

135 (§23C). Joseph prospered in Egypt, but 
through false accusation was thrown into prison. 
Here he interpreted the dreams of two men: who 
were they ? which of the men was pardoned by the 
king and forgot Joseph ? The king dreamed : how 
did this lead to Joseph's promotion ? 

136 (§270). There were seven years of good 
crops followed by seven years of famine. How . did 
the famine bring Joseph's brothers to Egypt ? Why 
did they not recognize him when he knew them? 
What plan did he use to make them sorry for their 
unkindness and to make one of them willing to be a 
slave to save his youngest brother? Tell the story 
of the forgiveness. 

137 (84, 89, 90, §30). After the Hebrews had 
been a long time in Egypt they became very numer- 
ous. Pharaoh was alarmed at their numbers. What 



HEROES OF ISRAEL'S WANDERINGS 133 

order did he give so that there should be no more 
men ? Tell the story of Moses' safety and adoption. 

138 (97, 98, §34A). Moses had been obliged to 
flee from Egypt and had lived a long time in the 
wilderness thinking about how his people could be 
saved. Perhaps sometimes he thought that he 
ought to deliver them, but he hesitated. Tell the 
story of the Burning Bush and how God encouraged 
him to go back to Egypt and be the deliverer. 

139 (114, §38B). Moses boldly went back and 
told the king he must let the people go. After ten 
awful plagues Pharaoh let them go. But no sooner 
were they gone than he repented and followed after 
them. How did Moses lead them into safety by 
God's good providence ? 

140 (127, §42B). How many years did Moses 
lead his people in the wilderness? To what point 
did he bring them at last ? There he made them a 
noble farewell speech of encouragement. Tell the 
story of how he saw Canaan, and of his death. 
What did the writer of the Book of Deuteronomy 
think of Moses ? 



WAR HEROES 



XIV. JOSHTJA AND CALEB 

XV. Gideon, the Warrior 
XVI. Samson, the Strong Man 



XIV. JOSHUA AND CALEB 

THE STORY 

§43. The Twelve Spies (Num. 13:1, 2, 17-21, 25-28, 

3^-33', 14:1-10, 26-33) 

A. THE MISSION OF THE SPIES 

The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, " Send thou 
men, that they may spy out the land of Canaan, 
which I give unto the children of Israel: of every 
tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one 
a prince among them." 

And Moses sent twelve men of the tribes of Israel, 
and of them Caleb was of the tribe of Judah and 
Joshua of the tribe of Ephraim. And Moses sent 
them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto 
them, " Get you up this way by the South, and go 
up into the mountains: and see the land, what it is; 
and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they 
be strong or weak, whether they be few or many; 
and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it 
be good or bad; and what cities they be that they 
dweU in, whether in camps, or in strongholds; and 
what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether 
there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good 
courage, and bring of the fruit of the land." 

Now the time was the time of the first-ripe grapes. 
So they went up, and spied out the land. And they 
137 



138 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

came unto the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from 
thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they 
bare it upon a staff between two; they brought also 
of the pomegranates, and of the figs. 

. . THE REPORT OF THE COWARDS 

And they returned from spying out the land at 
the end of forty days. And they went and came to 
Moses, and to the children of Israel, and showed 
them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and 
said, "We came unto the land whither thou sentest 
us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and 
this is the fruit of it. Howbeit the people that dwell 
in the land are strong, and the cities are fenced, and 
very great: and moreover we saw the giants, the 
children of Anak, there." 

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and 
said, ''Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we 
are well able to overcome it." 

But the men that went up with him said, "We 
are not able to go up against the people; for they 
are stronger than we." And they brought up an evil 
report of the land which they had spied out unto 
the children of Israel, saying, "The land, through 
which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that eateth 
up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that 
we saw in it are men of great stature. And there 
we saw the giants, the sons of Anak: and we were 



JOSHUA AND CALEB 139 

in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were 
in their sight." 

C. THE DISCOURAGEMENT 

And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and 
cried; and the people wept that night. And all the 
children of Israel murmured against Moses and 
against Aaron: and said unto them, "Would God 
that we had died in the land of Egypt ! or would God 
we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore 
doth the Lord bring us unto this land, to fall by the 
sword ? Our wives and our little ones shall be a 
prey: were it not better for us to return into 
Egypt?" 

xAnd they said one to another, "Let us make a 
captain, and let us return into Egypt." 

Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before 
all the assembly of the children of Israel. 

D. THE ADVICE OF THE HEROES 

And Joshua and Caleb, which were of them that 
spied out the land, rent their clothes : and they spake 
unto all the children of Israel, saying, "The land, 
which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceeding 
good land. If the Lord delight in us, then he will 
bring us into this land, and give it unto us; a land 
which fioweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not 
against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the 
land; for they are bread for us: their defence is 



I40 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

removed from over them, and the Lord is with us: 
fear them not." 

But all the people cried to stone them with stones. 

E. THE SENTENCE OF THE LORD 

And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tent 
of meeting unto all the children of Israel. And the 
Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 
"I have heard the murmurings of the children of 
Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto 
them, 'As I live, saith the Lord, surely as ye have 
spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: your car- 
cases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were 
numbered of you, according to your whole number, 
from twenty years old and upward, which have 
murmured against me, surely ye shall not come into 
the land, concerning which I lifted up my hand that I 
would make you dwell therein, save Caleb and 
Joshua. But your little ones, which ye said should 
be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know 
the land which ye have rejected. But as for you, 
your carcases shall fall in this wilderness. And your 
children shall be wanderers in the wilderness forty 
years.' " 

§44. After the Forty Years (Josh, i : i-ii; 
11:16-18; 14:6-13) 

A. JOSHUA'S REWARD 

Now it came to pass after the death of Moses the 
servant of the Lord, that the Lord spake unto Joshua, 



JOSHUA AND CALEB 141 

Moses' minister, saying, ''Moses my servant is dead; 
now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and 
all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, 
even to the children of Israel. Every place that the 
sole of your foot shall tread upon, to you have I given 
it, as I spake unto Moses. From the wilderness, 
and this Lebanon, even unto the great river, the 
river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto 
the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall 
be your border. There shall not any man be able 
to stand before thee all the days of thy life : as I was 
with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail" 
thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good 
courage: for thou shalt cause this people to inherit 
the land which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 
Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to 
do according to all the law, which Moses my servant 
commanded thee : turn not from it to the right hand 
or to the left, that thou mayest have good success 
whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law 
shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt 
meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest 
observe to do according to all that is written therein : 
for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and 
then thou shalt have good success. Have not I 
commanded thee ? Be strong and of a good courage; 
be not affrighted, neither be thou dismayed : for the 
Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou 
goest." 



142 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, 
saying, "Pass through the midst of the camp, and 
command the people, saying, ' Prepare you victuals; 
for within three days ye are to pass over this Jordan, 
to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your 
God giveth you to possess it.'" 

B. JOSHUA'S CONQUESTS 

So Joshua took all that land, the hill country, and 
all the South, and the lowland, and the hill country 
of Israel, and the lowland of the same ; and all their 
kings he took, and smote them, and put them to 
death. Joshua made war a long time with all those 
kings. So Joshua took the whole land, according to 
all that the Lord spake unto Moses; and Joshua 
gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to 
their divisions by their tribes, 

C. CALEB'S REWARD 

Then the children of Judah drew nigh unto Joshua : 
and Caleb said unto him, ''Thou knowest the thing 
that the Lord spake unto Moses the man of God 
concerning me and concerning thee in Kadesh-bar- 
nea. Forty years old was I when Moses the servant 
of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out 
the land; and I brought him word again as it was 
in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went 
up with me made the heart of the people melt: but 
I wholly followed the Lord my God. And Moses 
sware on that day, saying, ' Surely the land whereon 



JOSHUA AND CALEB 143 

thy foot hath trodden shall be an inheritance to thee 
and to thy children for ever, because thou hast wholly 
followed the Lord my God.' And now, behold, the 
Lord hath kept me alive, as he spake, these forty 
and five years, from the time that the Lord spake this 
word unto Moses, while Israel walked in the wil- 
derness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and 
five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I 
was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength 
was then, even so is my strength now, for war, and 
to go out and to come in. Now, therefore, give me 
this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day; 
for thou heardest in that day how the giants, the sons 
of Anak, were there, and cities great and fenced: it 
may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall 
drive them out, as the Lord spake." 

And Joshua blessed him; and he gave Hebron 
unto Caleb for an inheritance. And the land had 
rest from war. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 
141. We have followed the story of Moses to the time of his 
death. Now we shall go back to notice the part that two other 
heroes played in the wilderness. It was at the time when 
Moses had led the people from Mount Sinai toward the south- 
ern part of Canaan. Locate this journey on the map. 

142 (§43A). Notice that we take up the Book of Numbers, 
which is so called because it tells of the census of the people 
in the wilderness. Try to imagine the feelings of the people 
who had come from slavery in Egypt and had reached the 
borders of the strange new land. They would wish to know 



144 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

what was before them. What plan was to be used to find 
out? 

143 (§43A). The southern part of Canaan was called "the 
South." Locate it. They were to go through there and then 
to the higher country where the vineyards were planted on the 
hills. What seven different things were these men to find out ? 
What were they to bring back with them ? What time of the 
year was it? We can imagine how the settlers in the early 
history of our country might have sent scouts to go through 
the Indian lands to find out what they were and what kind 
of people the Indian tribes were. 

144 (§43A). These twelve men went all through the land. 
What did they get as a sample of the fruit ? Why did two men 
have to carry it ? What does this show of the character of the 
land? 

145 (§436). How long did it take them to find out about 
the country ? What did they do when they came back. What 
report did they give? The children of Anak were very tall 
men. It seems that there must have been a tribe of exceed- 
ingly big men in Canaan. These frightened the spies. 

146 (§436). There was one of the committee who spoke out 
a bold word. Who was he and what did he say ? But what 
did the others reply ? Notice that at first they said they saw 
some tall men. Soon they began to think that all the Canaan- 
ites were giants. So difficulties grow in our minds when we 
are cowardly. 

147 (§43C). What happened when the people heard the 
discouraging report? It shows how a few men can dis- 
courage a whole army. What rebellion did they plan? 
Would it have been wise to go back to Egypt ? 

148 (§43D). Moses and Aaron were very much troubled. 
But the two heroes out of the twelve spies made a great speech. 
They were troubled so they tore their clothes. But what did 
they say about the land ? Who did they say would bless the 



JOSHUA AND CALEB 145 

people if they would be faithful and brave? How did the 
people respond? Think of the two noble men standing 
against the great crowd. 

149 (§43E). The message of the Lord tells of the punish- 
ment for the rebellion. What was to happen to all the grown 
men ? What two men were to be an exception ? What was 
to happen to the children? Notice that the punishment is 
that they shall not go into the land. But they did not want to 
go. Sometimes the worst punishment is to take a person at 
his word. 

150 (§44A). Now imagine forty years to pass. All the 
old men are gone. The great leader is gone. Let us see what 
became of the two brave men. We turn to a new book, the 
sixth in our Bible, which is called after the name of the hero. 
Who was chosen to succeed Moses ? Was not this an honor 
and reward? What was to be his duty for the people? 
What spirit was he to have? What was to be his guide? 
Who promised to be with him? What did he immediately 
do as the first act of his leadership ? 

151 (§44B). The first eleven chapters of this book give 
the account of Joshua's wars to gain the land for his people. 
This passage tells how he succeeded. Tell it in your own 
words. 

152 (§44C). The old hero Caleb comes up to get his share 
of the new land. Tell what he says to Joshua. As he states 
that it is forty-five years since Moses 'gave him the promise, 
there must have been five years spent in conquering the 
land. It was a long time to wait for his reward, but at last 
the old man receives it. It is interesting to note that he chooses 
his own reward. He asks to be given the very highland 
country that the spies were so much afraid of. He expects 
the Lord to help him to drive the giants out. One would think 
that an old man would ask for an easy place. Caleb asks for 
a hard one. What do you think of Caleb ? What kind of a 



146 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

place do you want in the world — an easy place with plenty 
to get or a hard place with plenty of chance to do good? 
Think about that question and then answer it to yourself. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write the story of the spying out of the land, showing: 

1. How many men were sent. 

2. What kind of land they found. 

3. What report the ten cowardly men made. 

4. What advice the two heroes gave. 



XV. GIDEON, THE WARRIOR 

THE STORY 

§45. The Call of Gideon (Judg. 6:2-6, 11-24, 36-40) 

A. THE OPPRESSION OF THE MIDIANITES 

The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and 
because of Midian the children of Israel made them 
the dens which are in the mountains, and the caves, 
and the strongholds. And so it was, when Israel 
had sown, that the Midianites came up and 
encamped against them, and' destroyed the in- 
crease of the earth, and left no sustenance in Israel, 
neither sheep, nor ox, nor ass. For they came up 
with their cattle and their tents, they came in as 
locusts for multitude; both they and their camels 
were without number: and they came into the land 
to destroy it. And Israel was brought very low be- 
cause of Midian; and the children of Israel cried 
unto the Lord. 

B. THE angel's VISIT TO GIDEON 

And the angel of the Lord came, and sat under the 
oak that belonged unto Joash the Abiezrite : and his 
son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress, 
to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of 
the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, 
''The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor." 

147 



148 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And Gideon said unto him, "Oh my lord, if the 
Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us ? 
and where are all his wondrous works which our 
fathers told us of, saying, 'Did not the Lord bring 
us up from Egypt ?' but now the Lord hath cast us 
off, and delivered us into the hand of Midian." 

And the Lord looked upon him, and said, "Go 
in this thy might, and save Israel from the hand of 
Midian: have not I sent thee ?" 

And he said unto him, " Oh Lord, wherewith shall 
I save Israel? behold, my family is the poorest in 
Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." 

And the Lord said unto him, "Surely I will be 
with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as 
one man." 

And he said unto him, "If now I have found 
grace in thy sight, then show me a sign that it is thou 
that talkest with me. Depart not hence, I pray thee, 
until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, 
and lay it before thee." 

And he said, "I will tarry until thou come again." 

And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and 
unleavened cakes of an ephah of meal: the flesh he 
put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and 
brought it out unto him under the oak, and pre- 
sented it. 

And the angel of God said unto him, "Take the 
flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon 
this rock, and pour out the broth." 



GIDEON, THE WARRIOR 149 

And he did so. Then the angel of the Lord put 
forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and 
touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and 
there went up fire out of the rock, and consumed the 
flesh and the unleavened cakes; and the angel of 
the Lord departed out of his sight. And Gideon 
saw that he was the angel of the Lord; and Gideon 
said, "Alas, O Lord God! forasmuch as I have 
seen the angel of the Lord face to face." 

And the Lord said unto him, " Peace be unto thee; 
fear not: thou shaft not die." 

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the 
Lord. 

C. THE SIGN OF THE FLEECE 

And Gideon said unto God, "If thou wilt save 
Israel by mine hand, as thou hast spoken, behold, I 
will put a fleece of wool on the threshing-floor: if 
there be dew on the fleece only, and it be dry upon 
all the ground, then shall I know that thou wilt save 
Israel by mine hand, as thou hast spoken." 

And it was so : for he rose up early on the morrow, 
and pressed the fleece together, and wrung the dew 
out of the fleece, a bowlful of water. And Gideon 
said unto God, "Let not thine anger be kindled 
against me, and I will speak but this once : let me 
prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; 
let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all 
the ground let there be dew." 



ISO HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And God did so that night: for it was dry upon 
the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground. 

§46. The Defeat of the Midianites (Judg. 6:33-35; 
7:2-24; 8:4, 10-12, 21) 

A. THE GATHERING OF THE TRIBES 

Then all the Midianites assembled themselves 
together; and they passed over, and pitched in the 
valley of Jezreel. But the spirit of the Lord came 
upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer 
was gathered together after him. And he sent mes- 
sengers throughout all Manasseh; and they also 
were gathered together after him: and he sent mes- 
sengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto 
Naphtali; and they came up to meet them. 

B. THE CHOICE OF THE WARRIORS 

And the Lord said unto Gideon, "The people 
that are with thee are too many for me to give the 
Midianites into their hand, lest Israel vaunt them- 
selves against me, saying, 'Mine own hand hath 
saved me? Now therefore go to, proclaim in the 
ears of the people, saying, 'Whosoever is fearful and 
trembling, let him return and depart from mount 
Gilead.' " 

And there returned of the people twenty and two 
thousand; and there remained ten thousand. And 
the Lord said unto Gideon, "The people are yet too 
many; bring them down unto the water, and I will 
try them for thee there : and it shall be, that of whom 



GIDEON, THE WARRIOR 15 1 

I say unto thee, ' This shall go with thee,' the same 
shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto 
thee, ' This shall not go with thee,' the same shall 
not go." 

So he brought down the people unto the water: 
and the Lord said unto Gideon, "Every one that 
lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, 
him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one 
that boweth down upon his knees to drink." 

And the number of them that lapped, putting their 
hand to their mouth, was three hundred men: but 
all the rest of the people bowed down upon their 
knees to drink water. 

And the Lord said unto Gideon, "By the three 
hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deHver 
the Midianites into thine hand : and let all the people 
go every man unto his place." 

So the people took victuals in their hand, and their 
trumpets: and he sent all the men of Israel every 
man unto his tent, but retained the three hundred 
men: and the camp of Midian was beneath him in 
the valley. 

C. THE DREAM OF THE ENEMY 

And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord 
said unto him, "Arise, get thee down into the camp; 
for I have delivered it into thine hand. But if thou 
fear to go down, go thou with Purah thy servant 
down to the camp: and thou shalt hear what they 



152 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened 
to go down into the camp." 

Then went he down with Purah his servant unto 
the outermost part of the armed men that were in the 
camp. And the Midianites lay along in the valley 
like locusts for multitude; and their camels were 
without number, as the sand which is upon the sea 
shore for multitude. 

And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a 
man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, 
''Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of 
barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian, and 
came unto the tent, and smote it that it fell, and 
turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat." 

And his fellow answered and said, " This is noth- 
ing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a 
a man of Israel: into his hand God hath delivered 
Midian, and all the host." 

And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the 
dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he wor- 
shipped; and he returned into the camp of Israel, 
and said, "Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into 
your hand the host of Midian." 

D. THE PLAN OF THE BATTLE 

And he divided the three hundred men into three 
companies, and he put into the hands of all of them 
trumpets, and empty pitchers, with torches within 
the pitchers. And he said unto them, " Look on me, 



GIDEON, THE WARRIOR 153 

and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the 
outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, 
so shall ye do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all 
that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on 
every side of all the camp, and say, 'For the Lord 
and for Gideon.'" 

So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with 
him, came unto the outermost part of the camp in 
the beginning of the middle watch, when they had 
but newly set the w^atch : and they blew the trumpets, 
and brake in pieces the pitchers that were in their 
hands. And the three companies blew the trumpets, 
and brake the pitchers, and held the torches in their 
left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to 
blow withal: and they cried, ''The sword of the 
Lord and of Gideon." 

And they stood every man in his place round about 
the camp: and all the host ran; and they shouted, 
and put them to flight. And they blew the three 
hundred trumpets, and the Lord set every man's 
sw^ord against his fellow, and against all the host: 
and the host fled and the men of Israel pursued after 
Midian. 

E. THE PURSUIT AND THE VICTORY 

And Gideon sent messengers throughout all the 
hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down 
against Midian and take the Jordan before them." 
So they came down. 



154 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And Gideon came to the Jordan, and passed over, 
he, and the three hundred men that were with him, 
faint, yet pursuing. 

Now the two kings of Midian had with them about 
fifteen thousand men, all that were left of the host. 
And Gideon smote the host. And the two kings of 
Midian fled. And Gideon pursued after them and 
took them. And he slew them, and took the cres- 
cents that were on their camels' necks. 

§47. The Result of the Victory (Judg. 8 : 22-27) 

Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, " Rule 
thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's 
son also: for thou hast saved us out of the hand of 
Midian." 

And Gideon said unto them, "I will not rule over 
you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord 
shall rule over you." 

And Gideon said unto them, "I would desire and 
request of you, that ye would give me every man the 
earrings of his spoil." 

And they answered, " We will wilHngly give them." 

And they spread a garment, and did cast therein 
every man the earrings of his spoil. And the weight 
of the golden earrings that he requested was a thou- 
sand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside the 
crescents, and the pendants, and the purple raiment 
that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the 
chains that were about their camels' necks. And 



GIDEON, THE WARRIOR 155 

Gideon made an idol thereof, and put it in his city, 
even in Ophrah: and all Israel went after it there: 
and it became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

153. After the death of Joshua, the Hebrews had a hard 
time from their many enemies. Just as our forefathers were 
constantly in. danger from the Indians, so the Hebrew settlers 
were often attacked and their goods taken from them. But 
in their case it was worse, because their enemies often came 
against them in great armies and conquered them. Israel 
had no king or governor, but from time to time some hero 
rose up to deUver them. These men were called "judges," 
because in addition to leading the people in war they decided 
matters of dispute. Their stories are told in the Book of 
Judges. Gideon was one of these military heroes. 

154 (§45 A). The Midianites were a wandering people of 
the desert. They wandered on the borders of Edom and 
Moab. Find these places on the map, southeast of Canaan. 
As they raised no crops themselves they delighted to attack 
the agricultural people after the crops were harvested and 
steal all the result of the year's work. That is the meaning 
of the fear of the Hebrews that is described. Where did the 
Hebrews hide? How many were there of the enemy? 

155 (§45B). Notice that Gideon was afraid to thresh his 
wheat in the open place, so he was beating out a few sheaves 
in the hollow where they pressed the grapes. What did the 
angel say to him when he saw his powerful frame and how 
vigorously he was beating his wheat ? Tell the conversation, 
showing how the angel encouraged Gideon. He was a brave 
man, but like everyone else he had lost heart. What sign 
was given to Gideon? It was such a solemn thing to be 
called by God to deliver the people that Gideon was afraid, 



156 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

but God encouraged him. What did Gideon build there? 
What did that mean ? 

156 (§45C). What further sign was given to Gideon to 
make him sure that the Lord was with him ? 

157 (§46A). There were twelve tribes in Israel and each 
tribe consisted of a number of clans. Gideon was of the clan 
of Abiezer, which was part of the tribe of Manasseh. Look 
at the map of Canaan and note the names of the Twelve Tribes. 
In the tribe of Issachar is the Plain of Esdraelon. That was 
the great plain where many of the battles of Israel were 
fought. If you can look at a relief map you will see how this 
great plain lay. The enemy had crossed the Jordan and 
camped on this plain. When Gideon heard it, he was stirred 
to the heart. What did he do ? First his own clan followed 
him. Then he called his own tribe to follow him. Then 
he sent to three of the northern tribes. Find all these on 
the map. Try to imagine the Israelites all gathering together 
at the call of the hero. 

158 (§46B). Here we have a strange story. It would seem 
as if the army ought to be as large as possible, but the Lord 
told Gideon that he did not want the people to boast of the 
victory. Who were told to go home? How large was the 
army ? How many went home ? How many remained ? 
But still the numbers were too large: what was the second 
plan to reduce them ? How many at last were left ? 

159 (§46C). What did Gideon do in order to find out about 
the enemy ? Tell the dream that he heard explained. 

160 (§46D). Read carefully and explain what Gideon told 
his men. He had a stratagem in mind to frighten the enemy. 
It is to be noted that the men who went home left their pro- 
visions and their trumpets, so Gideon had as many trumpets 
in his little army as in the big army. What would the Midian- 
ites think when they heard three hundred trumpets blowing ? 
The night was divided into three watches. The sentries had 



GIDEON, THE WARRIOR 157 

just been set for the second watch when the attack was made. 
Describe the actions of the Israehtes. What did they shout? 
The Midianites killed one another in the confusion. 

161 (§46E). Gideon wanted the great tribe of Ephraim to 
help in the fight, so he asked them to go down to the river 
Jordan to cut off the flying enemy. What did Gideon do 
himself? What happened to the kings of Midian and the 
host? 

162 (§47). What did the grateful people offer Gideon? 
Why did he refuse ? What great American refused to be a 
king ? The story closes in disappointment. Is it not strange 
that after the great victory Gideon should forget God ? Tell 
the story of making the idol. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short story showing how the Hebrews were op- 
pressed by the Strong enemy, and why the Lord chose Gideon 
to deliver them. 



XVI. SAMSON, THE STRONG MAN 

THE STORY 
§48. The Birth of Samson (Judg. 13:2-6, 24) 

There was a certain man of the Danites, whose 
name was Manoah; and his wife bare no child. 
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman, 
and said unto her, "Behold now, thou shalt bear a 
son. Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink 
no wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean 
thing: for, lo, thou shalt bear a son; and no razor 
shall come upon his head: for the chijd shall be a 
Nazirite unto God from his birth : and he shall begin 
to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." 

Then the woman came and told her husband. 

And the woman bare a son and called his name 
Samson: and the child grew and the Lord blessed 
him. 

' §49. The Riddle at the Wedding Feast (Judg., chap. 14) 
And Samson went down to Timnah, and saw a 

woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines. 

And he came up, and told his father and his mother, 

and said, "I have seen a woman in Timnah of the 

daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her 

for me to wife." 

Then his father and his mother said unto him, " Is 

there never a woman among the daughters of thy 

158 



SAMSON, THE STRONG MAN 159 

brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to 
take a wife of the Philistines ? " 

And Samson said unto his father, "Get her for 
me; for she pleaseth me well." 

Then went Samson down, and his father and his 
mother, to Timnah, and came to the vineyards of 
Timnah: and, behold, a young Hon roared against 
him. And the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon 
him, and he rent him as he w^ould have rent a kid, 
and he had nothing in his hand : but he told not his 
father or his mother what he had done. And he 
went down, and talked with the woman; and she 
pleased Samson well. 

And after a while he returned to take her, and 
he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, 
behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the 
lion, and honey. And he took it into his hands, and 
went on, eating as he went, and he came to his father 
and mother, and gave unto them, and they did eat: 
but he told them not that he had taken the honey out 
of the body of the lion. And his father went down 
unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; 
for so used the young men to do. And it came to 
pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty 
companions to be with him. 

And Samson said unto them, " Let me now put 
forth a riddle unto you : if ye can declare it me within 
the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will 
give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of 



l6o HEROES OF ISRAEL 

raiment: but if ye cannot declare it me, then shall 
ye give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes 
of raiment." 

And they said unto him, "Put forth thy riddle, 
that we may hear it." 

And he said unto them, 

" Out of the eater came forth meat. 
And out of the strong came forth sweetness." 

And they could not in three days declare the 
riddle. 

And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they 
said unto Samson's wife, "Entice thy husband, that 
he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee 
and thy father's house with fire: have ye called us 
to impoverish us ? is it not so ?" 

And Samson's wife wept before him, and. said, 
"Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou 
hast put forth a riddle unto the children of my 
people, and hast not told it me." 
• And he said unto her, "Behold, I have not told 
it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell thee ?" 

And she wept before him the seven days, while 
their feast lasted : and it came to pass on the seventh 
day, that he told her, because she pressed him sore: 
and she told the riddle to the children of her people. 
And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh 
day before the sun went down, "What is sweeter 
than honey? and what is stronger than a lion?" 



SAMSON, THE STRONG MAN i6i 

And he said unto them, 

" If ye had not plowed with my heifer, 
Ye had not found out my riddle." 

And the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, 
and he w^nt down to Ashkelon, and smote thirty 
men of them, and took their spoil, and gave the 
changes of raiment unto them that declared the rid- 
dle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to 
his father's house. But Samson's wife was given to 
his companion, whom he had used as his friend. 

§50. Samson's Strength (Judg. 15:1-17; 16:1-3) 
A. THE STORY OF THE FOXES 

But it came to pass after a while, in the time of 
wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a 
kid; and he said, "I will go in to my wife into the 
chamber." 

But her father would not suffer him to go in. And 
her father said, "I verily thought that thou hadst 
utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy com- 
panion : is not her younger sister fairer than she ? 
take her, I pray thee, instead of her." 

And Samson said unto them, ''This time shall I 
be blameless in regard to the PhiHstines, when I do 
them a mischief." 

And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, 
and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put 
a firebrand in the midst between every two tails. 



l62 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them 
go into the standing grain of the Phihstines, and 
burnt up both the shocks and the standing grain, and 
also the oliveyards. 

Then the Philistines said, "Who hath done 
this?" 

And they said, "Samson, the son-in-law of the 
Timnite, because he hath taken his wife, and given 
her to his companion." 

And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and 
her father with fire. 

And Samson said unto them, "If ye do after this 
manner, surely I will be avenged of you, and after 
that will I cease." 

And he smote them hip and thigh with a great 
slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the cleft 
of the rock of Etam. 

B. THE STORY OF .THE JAWBONE 

Then the Philistines went up, and pitched in 
Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi. And the men 
of Judah said, "Why are ye come up against us?" 

And they said, " To bind Samson are we come up, 
to do to him as he hath done to us." 

Then three thousand men of Judah went down to 
t,he cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, 
"Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers 
over us ? what then is this that thou hast done unto 
us?" 



SAMSON, THE STRONG MAN 163 

And he said unto them, ''As they did unto me, so 
have I done unto them." 

And they said unto him, "We are come down to 
bind thee, that we may dehver thee into the hand of 
the PhiHstines." 

And Samson said unto them, "Swear unto me, 
that ye will not fall upon me yourselves." 

And they spake unto him, saying, "No; but we 
will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: 
but surely we will not kill thee." 

And they bound him w^ith two new ropes, and 
brought him up from the rock. When he came unto 
Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him: and 
the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and 
the ropes that were upon his arms became as flax 
that was burnt with fire, and his bands dropped from 
off his hands. And he found a new jawbone of an 
ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and smote 
a thousand men therewith. And Samson said, 
" With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps. 

With the jawbone of an ass have I smitten a thou- 
sand men." 
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of 
speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his 
hand. 

C. THE STORY OF THE GATES OF GAZA 

And Samson went to Gaza. And it was told the 
Gazites, saying, "Samson is come hither." And 



l64 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all 
night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the 
night, saying, "Let be till morning light, then we 
will kill him." 

And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at mid- 
night, and laid hold of the doors of the gate of the 
city, and the two posts, and plucked them up, bar 
and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and carried 
them up to the top of the mountain that is before 
Hebron. 

§51. Samson's Weakness (Judg. 16:4-22) 

And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a 
woman, whose name was Delilah. And the lords of 
the PhiHstines came up unto her, and said unto her, 
"Entice him, and see wherein his great strength 
lieth, and by what means we may prevail against 
him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we 
will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces 
of silver." 

And Delilah said to Samson, "Tell me, I pray 
thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith 
thou mightest be bound to afflict thee." 

And Samson said unto her, " If they bind me with 
seven new bowstrings that were never dried, then 
shall I become weak, and be as another man." 

Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her 
seven new bowstrings which had not been dried, and 
she bound him with them. Now she had liers in 



SAMSON, THE STRONG MAN 165 

wait abiding in the inner chamber. And she 
said unto him, "The PhiHstines be upon thee, 
Samson." 

And he brake the bowstfings as a string of tow is 
broken when it touches the fire. So his strength 
was not known. 

And Delilah said unto Samson, "Behold, thou 
hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I 
pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound." 

And he said unto her, "If they only bind me 
with new ropes wherewith no work hath been done, 
then shall I become weak, and be as another 
man." 

So Delilah took new ropes, and bound him there- 
with, and said unto him, "The Philistines be upon 
thee, Samson." 

And the Hers in wait were abiding in the inner 
chamber. And he brake them from off his arms 
like a thread. 

And Dehlah said unto Samson, "Hitherto thou 
hast mocked me, and told me Hes : tell me wherewith 
thou mightest be bound." 

And he said unto her, "If thou weavest the seven 
locks of my head with the web." 

And she fastened it with the pin, and said unto him, 
"The Philistines be upon thee, Samson." 

And he awaked out of his sleep, and plucked away 
the pin of the beam, and the web. 

And she said unto him, "How canst thou say, 'I 



1 66 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

love thee/ when thine heart is not with me ? thou 
hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told 
me wherein thy great strength Heth." 

And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily 
with her words, and urged him, that his soul was 
vexed unto death. And he told her all his heart, and 
said unto her, " There hath not come a razor upon 
mine head: for I have been a Nazirite unto God 
from my birth : if I be shaven, then my strength will 
go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like 
any other man." 

And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his 
heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Phi- 
hstines, saying, " Come up this once, for he hath told 
me all his heart." 

Then the lords of the PhiHstines came up unto 
her, and brought the money in their hand. And she 
made him sleep upon her knees : and she called for a 
man, and shaved off the seven locks of his head ; and 
she began to afflict him, and his strength went from 
him. And she said, "The Philistines be upon thee, 
Samson." 

And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, "I will 
go out as at other times, and shake myself." 

But he wist not that the Lord was departed 
from him. 

And the Philistines laid hold on him, and put out 
his eyes; and they brought him down to Gaza, and 
bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in 



SAT^ISON, THE STRONG MAN 167 

the prison house. Howbeit the hair of his head 
began to grow again after he was shaven. 

§52. Samson's Vengeance (Judg. 16:23-31) 

And the lords of the Phihstines gathered them 
together to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their 
god, and to rejoice: for they said, "Our god hath 
dehvered Samson our enemy into our hand." And 
when the people saw him, they praised their god: 
for they said, " Our god hath delivered into our hand 
our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which 
hath slain many of us." And it came to pass, when 
their hearts were merry, that they said, ''Call for 
Samson, that he may make us sport." 

And they called for Samson out of the prison house; 
and he made sport before them: and they set him 
between the pillars. And Samson said unto the lad 
that held him by the hand, '' Suffer me that I may 
feel the pillars whereupon the house resteth, that I 
may lean upon them." 

Now the house was full of men and women; and 
all the lords of the PhiHstines were there; and there 
were upon the roof about three thousand men and 
women, that beheld while Samson made sport. 

And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, " O 
Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen 
me, I pray thee, only this once. O God, that I may 
be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two 
eyes." 



l68 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars 
upon which the house rested, and leaned upon them, 
the one with his right hand, and the other with his 
left. And Samson said, "Let me die with the Phi- 
listines." And he bowed himself with all his might; 
and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the 
people that were therein. So the dead which he 
slew at his death were more than they which he slew 
in his life. 

Then his brethren and all the house of his father 
came down, and took him, and brought him up, and 
buried him in the burying-place of Manoah his father. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 
163. All peoples have their old stories of heroes who had 
great strength. The Greeks had their Hercules and the 
Hebrews had their Samson. In reading his story we must 
remember that it belongs to a rude age, when men's passions 
were strong and they had not learned the gentler ways of life. 
The story is full of adventure; it is very well told^ it shows us 
much of the old Hebrew life; and it helps us to see how hard 
the lot of the people must have been under their oppressors. 
Of course they remembered any strong man of those days, 
and his story grew as it was told from generation to generation. 

164 (§48). The first thing that we learn about the hero is 
that he was a promised child. He was set apart from his 
birth to the Lord. Such persons were called Nazirites. 
They had to abstain from wine, and their hair was not to 
be cut. 

165 (§49). With whom did Samson fall in love? The 
Philistines were the oppressors of his people. What did his 
parents think of it ? It would seem that they all went down 



SAMSON, THE STRONG MAN 169 

to make the betrothal feast. What great feat of strength 
did Samson perform on the way? Then there was a second 
visit for the marriage itself. What did Samson find this time 
on his way ? 

166 (§49). The story describes some of the old customs. 
What was Samson expected to provide for the wedding? 
How many young men were there ? What bet did he make 
with them? W^hat was the riddle? Could you have 
guessed it ? 

167 (§49). How did the young men find out the riddle? 
How did Samson pay his bet ? Consider what rude times 
those must have been. 

168 (§5oA). We have a number of the old stories of Sam- 
son's strength. Consider what injury was done to Samson, 
What humorous and savage revenge did Samson take upon 
his enemies? It was considered a great insult to burn the 
standing grain. What horrible vengeance did the Philistines 
take on the bride's family ? 

169 (§5oB). Tell what Samson's own people did to him. 
Why did they do it ? What was Samson's great feat ? Notice 
how big they made the stories — one man killing a thousand. 

170 (§5oC). They loved the stories of Samson's clever 
escapes. How did the men of Gaza think he was caught ? 
How did Samson escape ? 

171 (§51). This strong man was not really a great man. 
After he had lost his first Philistine wife he fell in love with 
another woman of the same race. She proved as deceitful 
as the first. Note the enormous bribe that the Philistine lords 
offered Delilah. What was the first trial of Samson's strength ? 
The new bowstrings were probably cords made from the 
intestines of animals. If they were not dried they would be 
tougher. 

172 (§51). Tell the story of the second trial. The story of 
the third trial is not quite so plain. It means that his long 



lyo HEROES OF ISRAEL 

hair was to be woven in with a piece of stuff that was being 
woven in the loom. When he woke up he walked off with the 
whole heavy loom. 

173 (§51). Notice how he let the wicked woman tease him. 
Was he strong or weak ? Is it the part of a strong man to go 
into temptation or to run away from it ? What was done to 
Samson? He makes us think of many a big strong man 
who was weak when it came to a question of goodness. Most 
of the big prize fighters are so weak that they become drunk- 
ards. Think of this hero doing the work of a slave. 

174 (§52). Notice how delighted the Philistines were that 
they had overcome their great enemy. Imagine the crowd 
gathered in a temple, the roof of which rested upon two 
central pillars. When they were very merry they sent for the 
poor blind Samson to make fun of him. What happened ? 

175. Do you think Samson was a great man? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short paper with the following points: 

1. How Samson was captured. 

2. Why the Hebrews put him among their heroes. 



A HEROINE 

XVII. Ruth, the Foreigner 



XVII. RUTH, THE FOREIGNER 

THE STORY 

§53. The Three Widows (Ruth i : 1-5) 

And it came to pass in the days when the judges 
judged, that there was a famine in the land. And 
a certain man of Bethlehem went to sojourn in the 
country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. 
And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the 
name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two 
sons Mahlon and Chilion. And they came into the 
country of Moab, and continued there. 

And Elimelech, Naomi's husband died; and she 
was left, and her two sons. And they took them 
wives of the women of Moab; the name of the 
one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: 
and they dwelt there about ten years. And Mahlon 
and Chilion died both of them; and the woman 
was left of her two children and of her husband. 

§54. The Return to Bethlehem (Ruth 1:6-22) 
A. THE TWO DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW 

Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, that 
she might return from the country of Moab: for 
she had heard in the country of Moab how that the 
Lord had visited his people in giving them bread. 
And she went forth out of the place where she was, 

173 



174 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they 
went on the way to return unto the land of Judah. 

And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in-law, 
"Go, return each of you to her mother's house: 
the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with 
the dead, and with me. The Lord grant you that ye 
may find rest, each of you in the house of her hus- 
band." Then she kissed them, and they lifted up 
their voice, and wept. 

And they said unto her, " Nay, but we will return 
with thee unto thy people." 

And Naomi said, "Turn again, my daughters: 
why will ye go with me ? have I yet sons that they 
may be your husbands ? Turn again, my daughters, 
go your way; for I am too old to have a husband. 
If I should say, I have hope, if I should even have a 
husband, and should also bear sons; would ye there- 
fore tarry till they were grown ? would ye therefore 
stay from having husbands ? nay, my daughters; for 
it grieveth me much for your sakes, for the hand of 
the Lord is gone forth against me." And they lifted 
up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed 
her mother-in-law; but Ruth clave unto her. 

And she said, "Behold thy sister-in-law is gone 
back unto her people, and unto her god: return 
thou after thy sister-in-law." 

And Ruth said, "Entreat me not to leave thee, 
and to return from following after thee; for whither 
thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will 



RUTH, THE FOREIGNER 175 

lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God 
my God; where thou diest, will I die, and there 
will I be buried : the Lord do so to me, and more 
also, if aught but death part thee and me." And 
when she saw that she was stedfastly minded to 
go with her, she left off speaking unto her. 

B. THE ARRIVAL IN BETHLEHEM 

So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. 
And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth- 
lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and 
the women said, "Is this Naomi?" 

And she said unto them, " Call me not Naomi, call 
me Mara; for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly 
with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought 
me home again empty; why call ye me Naomi, seeing 
the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty 
hath afflicted me?" 

So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her 
daughter-in-law, with her; and they came to Beth- 
lehem in the beginning of barley harvest. 

§55. In the Barley Field (Ruth, chap. 2) 
A. THE GLEANERS 

And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a 
mighty man of wealth; and his name was Boaz. 

And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, "Let 
me now go to the field, and glean among the ears 
of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor." 

And she said unto her, " Go, my daughter." 



176 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And she went, and came and gleaned in the field 
after the reapers: and she happened to light on the 
portion of the field belonging unto Boaz. 

And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and 
said unto the reapers, "The Lord be with you." 

And they answered him, "The Lord bless thee." 

Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over 
the reapers, " Whose damsel is this ? " 

And he answered, "It is the Moabitish damsel 
that came back with Naomi out of the country of 
Moab: and she said, 'Let me glean, I pray you, 
and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.' 
So she came, and hath continued even from the 
morning until now, save that she tarried a little in 
the house." 

Then said Boaz unto Ruth, "Hearest thou not, 
my daughter ? Go not to glean in another field, 
neither pass from hence, but abide here fast by my 
maidens. Let thine eyes be on the field that they 
do reap, and go thou after them : have I not charged 
the young men that they shall not touch thee ? and 
when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink 
of that which the young men have drawn." 

Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to 
the ground, and said unto him, "Why have I found 
favor in thy sight, that thou shouldst take knowl- 
edge of me, seeing I am a foreigner?" 

And Boaz answered and said unto her, "It hath 
fully been showed me, all that thou hast done unto 



RUTH, THE FOREIGNER 177 

thy mother-in-law since the death of thy husband; 
and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, 
and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a 
people that thou knewest not heretofore. The Lord 
recompense thy work, and a full reward be given 
thee of the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose 
wings thou art come to take refuge." 

Then she said, "Let me find favor in thy sight, 
my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for 
that thou hast spoken kindly unto thy handmaid, 
though T be not as one of thy handmaidens." 

And at meal-time Boaz said unto her, ''Come 
hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in 
the vinegar." 

And she sat beside the reapers; and they reached 
her parched grain, and she did eat, and was sufficed", 
and left thereof. 

And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz com- 
manded his young men, saying, " Let her glean even 
among the sheaves, and reproach her not. And also 
pull out some for her from the bundles, and leave 
it, and let her glean, and rebuke her not." 

B. THE HUMBLE AND HAPPY HOME 

So she gleaned in the field until even; and she 
beat out that which she had gleaned, and it was 
about a bushel of barley. And she took it up, and 
went into the city; and her mother-in-law saw what 
she had gleaned: and she brought forth and gave 



178 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

to her that which she had left after she was 
sufficed. 

And her mother-in-law said unto her, " Where 
hast thou gleaned today? and where hast thou 
wrought ? blessed be he that did take knowledge of 
thee." 

And she showed her mother-in-law with whom 
she had wrought, and said, "The man's name with 
whom I wrought today is Boaz." 

And Naomi said unto her daughter-in-law, 
"Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off 
his kindness to the living and to the dead." And 
Naomi said unto her, "The man is nigh of kin unto 
us, one of our near kinsmen." 

And Ruth the Moabitess said, " Yea, he said unto 
me, 'Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until 
they have ended all my harvest.'" 

And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter-in-law, 
"It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his 
maidens, and that they meet thee not in any other 
field." 

So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz, to glean 
unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; 
and she dwelt with her mother-in-law. 

§56. At the Threshing Floor (Ruth, chap. 3) 

A. THE PLAN 

And Naomi her mother-in-law said unto her, " My 
daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may 



RUTH, THE FOREIGNER 



179 



be well with thee ? And now is not Boaz our kins- 
man, with whose maidens thou wast ? Behold, he 
winnoweth barley tonight in the threshing-floor. 
Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put 




Copyright i^Oi by Und,: 



ni a,ni Uiiiierwoc.-' 

WINNOWING GRAIN 



thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the 
threshing-floor; but make not thyself known unto 
the man, until he shall have done eating and drink- 
ing. And it shall be, when he Heth down, that thou 



i8o HEROES OF ISRAEL 

shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou 
shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down: 
and he will tell thee what thou shalt do." 

And she said unto her, "All that thou sayest I 
will do." 

B. THE DUTY OF THE KINSMAN 

And she went down unto the threshing-floor, and 
did according to all that her mother-in-law bade 
her. And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his 
heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of 
the heap of grain: and she came softly, and uncov- 
ered his feet, and laid her down. And it came to 
pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and 
turned himself; and, behold, a woman lay at his 
feet. 

And he said, "Who art thou?" 

And she answered, "I am Ruth thy handmaid: 
spread therefore thy skirt over thy handmaid; for 
thou art a near kinsman." 

And he said, "Blessed be thou of the Lord, my 
daughter: thou hast showed more kindness in the 
latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou 
followedst not young men, whether poor or rich. 
And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee 
all that thou sayest; for all the city of my people 
doth know that thou art a worthy woman. And 
now it is true that I am a near kinsman; howbeit 
there is a kinsman nearer than I. Tarry this night. 



RUTH, THE FOREIGNER l8l 

and it shall be in the morning, that if he will per- 
form unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; but 
if he will not, then will I do the part of a kinsman to 
thee, as the Lord hveth: lie down until the morning." 

And she lay at his feet until the morning: and 
she rose up before one could discern another. For 
he said, " Let it not be known that the woman came 
to the threshing-floor." 

And he said, " Bring the mantle that is upon thee, 
and hold it," and she held it; and he measured six 
measures of barley, and laid it on her: and he went 
into the city. 

And when she' came to her mother-in-law, she 
said, ''How hast thou fared, my daughter?" 

And she told her all that the man had done to her. 
And she said, "These six measures of barley gave 
he me; for he said, 'Go not empty unto thy mother- 
in-law.'" 

Then she said, "Sit still, my daughter, until thou 
know how the matter will fall; for the man will not 
rest, until he have finished the thing this day." 

§57. At the City Gate (Ruth 4:1-17) 
A. THE PURCHASE 

Now Boaz went up to the gate, and sat him down 
there: and, behold, the near kinsman of whom Boaz 
spake came by: unto whom he said, "Ho, such a 
one! turn aside, sit down here." And he turned 
aside, and sat down. 



i82 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and 
said, "Sit ye down here." And they sat down. 

And he said unto the near kinsman, " Naomi, that 
is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth 
the parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech's : 
and I thought to disclose it unto thee, saying, 
' Buy it before them that sit here, and before 
the elders of my people.' If thou wilt redeem it, re- 
deem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell 
me, that I may know; for there is none to redeem 
it besides thee; and I am after thee." 

And he said, ''I will redeem it." 

Then said Boaz, " What day thou buyest the field 
of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy also Ruth the 
Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name 
of the dead upon his inheritance." 

And the near kinsman said, "I cannot redeem it 
for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: take 
thou my right of redemption on thee; for I cannot 
redeem it." 

Now this was the custom in former time in Israel 
concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, 
to confirm all things; a man drew off his shoe, and 
gave it to his neighbor; and this was the manner 
of witness in Israel. 

So the near kinsman said unto Boaz, " Buy it for 
thyself." And he drew off his shoe. 

And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the 
people, "Ye are witnesses this day, that I have 



RUTH, THE FOREIGNER 183 

bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was 
Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi. 
Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, 
have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the 
name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the 
name of the dead be not cut off from among his 
brethren, and from the gate of his place; ye are 
witnesses this day." 

And all the people that were in the gate, and the 
elders, said, "We are witnesses. The Lord make 
the woman that is come into 'thy house like Rachel 
and like Leah, which two did build the house of 
Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephrathah, and be 
famous in Bethlehem." 

B. THE HAPPY MARRIAGE 

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and 
she bare a son. 

And the women said unto Naomi, "Blessed be 
the Lord, who hath not left thee this day without a 
near kinsman; and let his name be famous in Israel. 
And he shall be unto thee a restorer of life, and a 
nourisher of thine old age; for thy daughter-in-law, 
who loveth thee, who is better to thee than seven 
sons, hath borne him." 

And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her 
bosom, and became nurse unto it. 

And the women her neighbors gave it a name, 
saying, "There is a son born to Naomi." And they 



i84 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, 
the father of David. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 
176. We study one of the heroines of Israel. She was a 
foreigner of the country of Moab, but held a most important 
place in Israel's history as the great-grandmother of King 
David. The story tells of her devotion and of its reward. 

177 (§53). Notice the time in which the story is placed. 
The town which is mentioned is well known to us because of 
one who was born there long afterward: who was he? The 
farmer with his wife and two sons went over to the rich high 
country of Moab. Locate it on the map, east of the Jordan. 
What happened in Moab ? 

178 (§54A). What did Naomi decide to do? These three 
women loved one another very dearly, but Naomi thought 
that the young women ought to marry again, so she told them 
to stay in their own land as they would not be likely to find 
husbands among strangers. 

179 (§54A). According to the Hebrew custom, if a man 
died his brother would marry the widow, but Naomi had no 
sons who could marry these young widows. Why did Orpah 
return? Why did Ruth refuse to leave her mother-in-law? 
Note how beautifully Ruth spoke. Love does not count the 
cost. What do we mean by Ruth's devotion ? 

180 (§54B). Why were the Bethlehem women so surprised 
at Naomi's appearance? Naomi means "Pleasant." Per- 
haps the name had been given to her because of her beauty. 
Mara, the same as our name Mary, means "Bitter." Explain 
what Naomi meant by her speech to the women. What 
time of year was it when they returned ? 

181 (§55 A). The principal man of the story is introduced 
to us. The two women had nothing to live on, but the 
Hebrew law permitted the poor to follow the reapers and to 



RUTH, THE FOREIGNER 185 

gather up the stalks that were dropped or left. This was 
called gleaning. Where did Ruth go to glean ? This young 
woman did not leave her mother to do the work. Her love 
expressed itself in deeds. 

182 (§55 A). Tell the conversation between Boaz and the 
foreman. Note the kindness of this Bethlehem gentleman to 
the stranger. It is the mark of a gentleman to be kind. It 
was not usual to invite the gleaners to share the lunch with the 
farm hands, but Boaz was especially kind to Ruth. What 
directions did he give to the young men? How would this 
help her in gleaning ? 

183 (§55B). Notice that she beat out the ears of barley, 
so as not to carry home the straw. How much did she have ? 
This was a good day's gleaning. How surprised Naomi was 
that she had secured so much! Tell their conversation in 
your own words. They were poor, but they were happy all 
that harvest time : why ? 

184 (§56A). Remember that it was the Hebrew custom for 
a man's widow to be married by his brother. If he had no 
brother his nearest relative was expected to marry her. So 
Naomi hoped that Boaz, who was related to her dead husband, 
would marry Ruth. She plans a little scheme to let him know 
privately that he is a near relative who ought to do this honor 
for those who were dead. There would be a great feast at 
the time the barley was threshed, and then all the men would 
go to sleep in the open air on the smooth floor where the thresh- 
ing was done. Ruth was instructed to let Boaz know the plan 
when the others were asleep. 

185 (§56B). Tell the story in your own words. Notice 
especially that Boaz explains that there is a nearer relative 
who ought to marry Ruth. What did Boaz give to Ruth to 
take to her mother-in-law ? Tell the conversation of the two 
women. 

186 (§57A). The Gate was the place where all the business 



i86 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

was done. Note how the business was begun, and how 
arrangements were made for the bargain to be witnessed. 
The conversation refers to the Hebrew laws of real estate. 
It is enough for us to see that the kinsman was not willing to 
marry Ruth. What interesting old custom is shown ? They 
were sitting on the ground cross-legged, so one could easily 
pull off his shoe or sandal. What other story have we had 
in which the sandal was easily taken off? (See 97 and illus- 
tration.) Note Boaz' solemn statement of the agreement. 
How did all the people congratulate Boaz? 

187 (§57B). It is interesting to see that the people congrat- 
ulated Naomi when Ruth's baby was born, because there was 
again a son for her family. This grandson would take the 
place of the sons whom she had lost. What did the women 
think of Ruth ? What relation was Ruth to David ? 

188. What do you think of Ruth? Look up I Cor. 13: 13 
in the Revised Version and see what it says about the greatest 
thing in the world. Can everybody have this greatest thing ? 
How much does it cost? Think whether you are bringing 
that into your home. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a little story of why Ruth went to glean, and what 
happened in the barley field. 



THE FOUNDERS OF THE KINGDOM 

XVIII. Samuel and Eli 
XIX. Samuel and Saul 
XX. Jonathan's Victory 



XVIII. SAMUEL AND ELI 

THE STORY 

§58. The Birth of Samuel (I Sam. 1:1-4, 8-28; 2:11) 

A. HANNAH'S GRIEF 

Now there was a certain man of the hill country 
of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah. And the 
name of his wife was Hannah and she had no chil- 
dren. And this man went up out of his city from 
year to year to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord 
of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni 
and Phinehas, priests unto the Lord, were there. 
And when the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, 
Hannah wept, and did not eat. 

And Elkanah her husband said unto her, ''Han- 
nah, why weepest thou ? and why eatest thou not ? 
and why is thy heart grieved ? am I not better to 
thee than ten sons ? " 

So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, 
and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat 
upon his seat by the door post of the temple of the 
Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed 
unto the Lord, and wept sore. And she vowed a 
vow, and said, " O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed 
look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remem- 
ber me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt 
give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will 



igo HEROES OF ISRAEL 

give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and 
there shall no razor come upon his head." 

And it came to pass, as she continued praying 
before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth. Now 
Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips 
moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli 
thought she had been drunken. And Eli said unto 
her, "How long wilt thou be drunken? put away 
thy wine from thee." 

And Hannah answered and said, "No, my lord, 
I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk 
neither wine nor strong drink, but I poured out my 
soul before the Lord. Count not thine handmaid 
for a wicked woman: for out of the abundance 
of my complaint have I spoken." 

Then Eli answered and said, " Go in peace: and 
the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast 
asked of him." 

And she said, "Let thy servant find grace in thy 
sight." 

So the woman went her way, and did eat,^ and her 
countenance was no more sad. And they rose up in 
the morning early, and worshipped before the Lord, 
and returned, and came to their house to Ramah. 

B. THE DEDICATION OF SAMUEL 

And it came to pass, that Hannah bare a son; and 
she called his name Samuel. And the man Elkanah 
went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly sacrifice, 



SAMUEL AND ELI 191 

and his vow. But Hannah went not up; for she said 
unto her husband, "I will not go up until the child 
be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may 
appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever." 

And Elkanah her husband said unto her, "Do 
what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou hast 
weaned him; only the Lord establish his word." 

So the woman tarried until she weaned him. And 
when she had weaned him, she took him up with 
her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of meal, and 
a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of 
the Lord in Shiloh : and the child was young. And 
they slew the bullock, and brought the child to Eli. 
And she said, " Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my 
lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying 
unto the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the 
Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of 
him: therefore I also have granted him to the Lord; 
as long as he liveth he is granted to the Lord." 

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And 
the child did minister unto the Lord before Eli 
the priest. 

§59. The Wicked Priests (I Sam. 2:12-17, 
22-25, 18, 19, 26) 

Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they knew 
not the Lord. And the custom of the priests with 
the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, 
the priest's servant came, while the flesh was being 



192 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

boiled, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; 
and he struck it into the kettle; all that the flesh- 
hook brought up the priest took. So they did in 
Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. Yea, 
before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, 
and said to the man that sacrificed, " Give flesh 
to roast for the priest ; for he will not have boiled 
flesh of thee, but raw." And if the man said 
unto him, '^ They will surely burn the fat presently, 
and then take as much as thy soul desireth;" then 
he would say, ''Nay, but thou shalt give it to me 
now : and if not, I will take it by force." And the sin 
of the young men was very great before the Lord; 
for they despised the offering of the Lord. 

Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his 
sons did unto all Israel. And he said unto them, 
"Why do ye such things? for. I hear of your evil 
dealings from all this people. Nay, my sons; for 
it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's 
people to transgress. If one man sinned against 
another, God shall judge him: but if a man sin 
against the Lord, who shall entreat for him?" 

Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the 
voice of their father. 

But Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a 
child, girded with a linen ephod. Moreover his 
mother made him a little robe, and brought it to 
him from year to year, when she came up with her 
husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. And Eli blessed 



SAMUEL AND ELI 193 

Elkanah and his wife. And the child Samuel grew 
on, and was in favor both with the Lord, and also 
with men. 

§60. The Call of Samuel (I Sam. 3 : 1-18) 

And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord 
before Eli. And it came to pass at that time, when 
Eli was laid down in his place, (now his eyes had 
begun to wax dim, that he could not see,) and the 
lamp of God was not yet gone out, and Samuel 
was laid down to sleep, in the temple of the Lord, 
where the ark of God was; that the Lord called 
Samuel: and he said, "Here am I." And he 
ran unto Eh, and said, "Here am I; for thou 
calledst me." And he said, "I called not; lie down 
again." 

And he went and lay down. And the Lord called 
yet again, "Samuel." 

And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, " Here 
am I; for thou calledst me." 

And he answered, "I called not, my son; lie 
down again." 

Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither 
was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him. 
And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. 
And he arose and went to EH, and said, "Here am 
I; for thou calledst me." 

And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the 
child. Therefore EH said unto Samuel, " Go, lie 



194 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

down : and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt 
say, 'Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.'" 

So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And 
the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other 
times, "Samuel, Samuel." 

Then Samuel said, "Speak; for thy servant heareth." 

And the Lord said to Samuel, "Behold, I will 
do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every 
one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will 
perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning 
his house, from the beginning even unto the end. For 
I have told him that I will judge his house for ever, 
for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons did 
bring a curse upon themselves, and he restrained 
them not." 

And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened 
the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel 
feared to show Eli the vision. 

Then Eli called Samuel, and said, "Samuel, my 
son." 

And he said, "Here am I." 

And he said, " What is the thing that the Lord hath 
spoken unto thee ? I pray thee hide it not from me: 
God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any 
thing from me of all the things that he spake unto 
thee." 

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing 
from him. And he said, "It is the Lord: let him 
do what seemeth him good." 



SAMUEL AND ELI 195 

§61. The Punishment of the Wicked Priests 
(I Sam. 4:1-18) 

A. ISRAEL'S DOUBLE DEFEAT 

Now Israel went out against the Philistines to 
battle. And the Philistines put themselves in array 
against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel 
was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew 
of the army in the field about four thousand men. 
And when the people were come into the camp, the 
elders of Israel said, "Wherefore hath the Lord 
smitten us to-day before the Philistines ? Let us 
fetch the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of 
Shiloh unto us, that it may come among us, and save 
us out of the hand of our enemies." 

So the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought from 
thence the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts; 
and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were 
there with the ark. And when the ark of the 
covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel 
shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang 
again. 

And when the PhiHstines heard the noise of the 
shout, they said, "What meaneth the noise of this 
great shout in the camp of the Hebrews?" And 
they understood that the ark of the Lord was come 
into the camp. And the Philistines were afraid, 
for they said, "God is come into the camp." And 
they said, "Woe unto us! for there hath not been 



196 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

such a thing heretofore. Woe unto us ! who shall 
deliver us out of the hand of these mighty gods ? 
these are the gods that smote the Egyptians with all 
manner of plagues in the wilderness. Be strong, and 
quit yourselves like men, O ye Philistines, that ye be 
not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to 
you: quit yourselves like men, and fight." 

And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, 
and they fled .every man to his tent: and there was 
a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty 
thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; 
and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were 
slain. 

B. THE DEATH OF THE OLD PRIEST 

And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, 
and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes 
rent, and with earth upon his head. And when 
he came, lo, Eli sat upon his seat by the wayside 
watching : for his heart trembled for the ark of God. 
And when the man came into the city, and told it, 
all the city cried out. 

And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he 
said, "What meaneth the noise of this tumult?" 

And the man hasted, and came and told Eli. 
Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his 
eyes were set, that he could not see. And the man 
said unto Eli, '' I am he that came out of the army, 
and I fled to-day out of the army." 

And he said, "How went the matter, my son?" 



SAIMUEL AND ELI 197 

And he that brought the tidings answered and said, 
"Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath 
been also a great slaughter among the people, and 
thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, 
and the ark of God is taken." 

And it came to pass, when he made mention of the 
ark of God, that he fell from off his seat backward 
by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he 
died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he 
had judged Israel forty years. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

189. We turn to the Books of Samuel, which take their 
name from one of the great heroes of Israel. He did not 
write the books, for they contain the story of what happened 
long after his death, but as he was the noblest character in 
the books they were named after him. 

190 (§58A). At the beginning of this story we learn that 
Elkanah the husband and Hannah his wife had no children. 
They had gone up to Shiloh to the sacred building that 
was called the house of God, and had celebrated a sacred 
feast. But Hannah was greatly troubled that she had no 
child. What did she do ? What did she promise if she 
could have a son ? We remember from the story of Samson 
that leaving the hair uncut was a mark that the child was to 
serve God. 

191 (§58A). When Hannah prayed, did she speak aloud? 
What did EH, the old priest, think about her ? Tell in your 
own words their conversation. 

192 (§58B). The boy whom Hannah longed for was born. 
What was his name ? It was the custom to kill animals at 
the house of God as a sign of thanksgiving : wjiat did Hannah 



198 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

take with her for this sacrifice? What did she say to EH? 
Note that she brings the boy to the old priest to learn the duties 
of the house of God. 

193 (§59). Perhaps the wrong-doing of the priests seems 
rather difficult to understand. Eli, the old priest, was assisted 
by his two sons. Their duty was to offer the sacrifices for the 
people, and they would be allowed part of the meat as their 
pay. That was one of the ways in which a priest had his 
living. But these young priests would send their servants 
to stick a large fork into the pot where the meat was boihng 
and whatever came out they would take. Or they would 
take the meat first, before the offering to the Lord had been 
made, and this was considered a dishonor to the sacrifice. It 
often happens that public officers are more anxious to get what 
they can than to do their duty. 

194 (§59). How did the father feel about his sons? What 
did he say to them ? What ought he to have done to them ? 
Why did he not do so ? 

195 (§59). What was happening to Samuel all this time? 
The linen ephod was a white dress such as a priest would 
wear. Who made the boy's garments ? Think what those 
happy meetings of the parents and boy once a year must have 
been. 

196 (§60). Imagine how the little church, or temple, was 
at night. There was a room in which the sacred box called 
the ark was kept. A lamp burned in this room all night. 
Samuel had a room near by, where he slept, and old Eli had 
another. What wonderful thing happened to Samuel one 
night? Tell it in your own words. Nearly all men and 
women who have become great have heard calls in some 
manner in their youth. Joan of Arc, the young girl who 
saved France from her enemies, thought that she heard God 
calling to her, though she was only thirteen years of age. 
This was a vision that Samuel saw in the night. Do you 



SAMUEL AND ELI 199 

remember the dreams of Joseph? It is often in conscience 
and in times of thoughtfulness that God speaks to us. 

197 (§60). How did Samuel do as EH had told him ? Note 
that God tells the boy that a great punishment will come upon 
Eli's family. How was Eli to blame for the wickedness of his 
sons? 

198 (§60). What did Samuel do as soon as he got up in the 
morning? What does this show us regarding his duties? 
What did he think about the vision ? But old Eli knew that 
there was something very important that had happened. Tell 
in your ov/n words the conversation between them. Note 
that the poor old man can simply say that he must bear what 
comes upon him. What do you think of Eli ? 

199 (§61 A). With whom did Israel go to war? Locate 
the country of these enemies on the map. How did the battle 
come out? The people thought that if they could have the 
ark with them they could conquer. They thought the Lord 
would fight for them. Where did they go to get the ark? 
Who were with the ark ? 

200 (§61 A). When the two priests brought the ark to the 
camp, what happened ? What effect did this have upon the 
Philistines? What was the result? What happened to the 
two priests ? What happened to the ark ? 

201 (§61 B). When a Hebrew felt very sad he covered his 
head with dust and tore his dress. Tell the story of how the 
news of the defeat was brought to Eli. How old was the 
priest? What was he doing? Why did he care so much 
about the ark of God ? What happened to him ? Eli was a 
noble man himself, but could he not have done better for 
Israel than he did? Remember that young Samuel was 
growing up while these things were -going on. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short story of the call of Samuel in the night. Tell 
just where he was sleeping, and why he was there, and what 
his duties were. Tell all the circumstances of the call. 



XIX. SAMUEL AND SAUL 

THE STORY 

§62. The Meeting of Samuel and Saul (I Sam. 9: 1-25) 

A. SAUL SEEKING THE DONKEYS 

Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name 
was Kish, a mighty man of valor. And he had a 
son, whose name was Saul, a young man and a good- 
ly: and there was not among the children of Israel 
a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and 
upward he was higher than any of the people. And 
the asses of Kish, Saul's father, were lost. And Kish 
said to Saul his son, " Take now one of the servants 
with thee, and arise, go seek the asses." 

, And he passed through the hill country of Eph- 
raim, and there they were not : and he passed through 
the land of the Benjamites, but they found them 
not. When they were come to the land of Zuph, 
Saul said to his servant that was with him, ''Come 
and let us return; lest my father cease caring for the 
asses, and take thought for us." 

And he said unto him, "Behold now, there is in 
this city a man of God, and he is a man that is held 
in honor; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: 
now let us go thither; perad venture he can tell us 
concerning our journey whereon we go." 

Then said Saul to his servant, " But, behold, if we 



SAMUEL AND SAUL 201 

go, what shall we bring the man ? for the bread is 
spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to 
bring to the man of God: what have we?" 

And the servant answered Saul again, and said, 
"Behold, I have in my hand the fourth part of a 
shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, 
to tell us our way." 

Then said Saul to his servant, "Well said; come, 
let us go." 

B. SAUL ENTERTAINED BY SAMUEL 

So they went unto the city w^here the man of God 
was. As they went up the ascent to the city, they 
found young maidens going out to draw water, and 
said unto them, " Is the seer here ? " 

And they answered them, and said, "He is; be- 
hold, he is before thee: make haste now, for he is 
come to-day into the city; for the people have a 
sacrifice to-day in the high place : as soon as ye be 
come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, 
before he go up to the high place to eat: for the 
people will not eat until he come, because he doth 
bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be 
bidden. Now therefore get you up; for at this time 
ye shall find him." 

And they went up to the city; and as they came 
within the city, behold, Samuel came out toward 
them, to go up to the high place. 

Now the Lord had revealed unto Samuel a day 



202 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

before Saul came, saying, "To-morrow about this 
time I will send thee a man out of the land of Ben- 
jamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be prince over 
my people Israel, and he shall save my people out of 
the hand of the Philistines : for I have looked upon 
my people, because their cry is come unto me." 

And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto 
him, "Behold the man of whom I spake to thee! 
this same shall have authority over my people." 

Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and 
said, " Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house 
is." 

And Samuel answered Saul, and said, "I am the 
seer; go up before me unto the high place, for ye 
shall eat with me to-day: and in the morning I will 
let thee go, and will tell thee all that is 'in thine 
heart. And as for thine asses that were lost three 
days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are 
found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? 
Is it not on thee, and for all thy father's house ?" 

And Saul answered and said, "Am not I a Ben- 
jamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel ? and 
my family the least of all the families of the tribe of 
Benjamin ? wherefore then speakest thou to me 
after this manner?" 

And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought 
them into the guest-chamber, and made them sit 
in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, 
which were about thirty persons. And Samuel said 



SAMUEL AND SAUL 203 

unto the cook, " Bring the portion which I gave thee, 
of which I said unto thee, 'Set it by thee.'" 

And the cook took up the thigh, and that which 
was upon it, and set it before Saul. 

And Samuel said, ''Behold that which hath been 
reserved! set it before thee and eat; because unto 
the appointed time hath it be^n kept for thee, for I 
said, 'I have invited the people.' " 

So Saul did eat with Samuel that day. And when 
they were come down from the high place into the 
city, he communed with Saul upon the housetop. 

§63. Saul Anointed by Samuel (I Sam. 9:26 — 10:7) 

A. THE PROMISE OF THE KINGDOM 

And they arose early: and it came to pass about 
the spring of the day, that Samuel called to Saul 
on the housetop, saying, " Up, that I may send thee 
away." 

And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, 
he and Samuel, abroad. As they were going down 
at the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, "Bid 
the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) 
but stand thou still at this time, that I may cause 
thee to hear the word of God." Then Samuel took 
the vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and 
kissed him, and said, " Is it not that the Lord hath 
anointed thee to be prince over his inheritance ? 
When thou art departed from me to-day, then thou 
shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre, in the 



204 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

border of Benjamin; and they will say unto thee, 
'The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: 
and lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and 
taketh thought for you, saying, What shall I do for my 
son ? ' Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, 
and thou shalt come to the oak of Tabor, and there 
shall meet thee there three men going up to God to 
Beth-el, one carrying three kids, and another carry- 
ing three loaves of bread, and another carrying a 
bottle of wine: and they will salute thee, and give 
thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive 
of their hand. After that thou shalt come to the 
hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines : 
and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither 
to the city, that thou shalt meet a band of prophets 
coming down from the high place with a psaltery, 
and a timbrel, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; 
and they shall be prophesying : and the spirit of the 
Lord will come mightily upon thee, and thou shalt 
prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another 
man . And let it be, when these signs are come unto 
thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee: for God 
is with thee." 

B. saul's return home 

And it was so, that when he had turned his back 
to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: 
and all those signs came to pass that day. And 
when they came thither to the hill, behold, a band 



SAMUEL AND SAUL 205 

of prophets met him; and the spirit of God came 
mightily upon him, and he prophesied among them. 
And it came to pass, when all that knew him before- 
time saw that, behold, he prophesied with the proph- 
ets, then the people said one to another, "What is 
this that is come unto the son of Kish ? Is Saul also 
among the prophets ?" 

And when he had made an end of prophesying, 
he came to the high place. And Saul's uncle said 
unto him and to his servant, "Whither went ye?" 

And he said, "To seek the asses: and when we 
saw that they were not found, we came to Samuel." 

And Saul's uncle said, "Tell me, I pray thee, 
what Samuel said unto you." 

And Saul said unto his uncle, "He told us plainly 
that the asses were found." But concerning the 
matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he 
told him not. 

§64. Saul's Opportunity (I Sam. ii:i-ii, 15) 

Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and en- 
camped against Jabesh-gilead : and all the men of 
Jabesh said unto Nahash, "Make a covenant with 
us, and we will serve thee." 

And Nahash the Ammonite said unto them, " On 
this condition will I make it with you, that all your 
right eyes be put out ; and I will lay it for a reproach 
upon all Israel." 

And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, " Give 



2o6 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

us seven days' respite, that we may send mes- 
sengers unto all the borders of Israel: and then, 
if there be none to save us, we will come out to 
thee." 

Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and 
spake these words in the ears of the people : and all 
the people hfted up their voice, and wept. And, 
behold, Saul came following the oxen out of the field ; 
and Saul said, ''What aileth the people that they 
weep?" 

And they told him the words of the men of Jabesh. 
And the spirit of God came mightily upon Saul when 
he heard those words, and his anger was kindled 
greatly. And he took a yoke of oxen, and cut them 
in pieces, and sent them throughout all the borders 
of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, " Who- 
soever Cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, 
so shall it be done unto his oxen." 

And the dread of the Lord fell on the people, and 
they came out as one man. And he numbered them 
in Bezek; and the children of Israel were three hun- 
dred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thou- 
sand. And they said unto the messengers that came, 
"Thus shall ye say unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, 
'To-morrow, by the time the sun is hot, ye shall 
have deliverance.' " 

And the messengers came and told the men of 
Jabesh; and they were glad. Therefore the men 
of Jabesh said, '' To-morrow we will come out unto 



SAMUEL AND SAUL 207 

you, and ye shall do with us all that seemeth good 
unto you." 

And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the 
people in three companies; and they came into the 
midst of the camp in the morning watch, and smote 
the Ammonites until the heat of the day : and it came 
to pass, that they which remained were scattered, 
so that two of them were not left together. 

And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they 
made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal; and 
there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings be- 
fore the Lord; and there Saul and all the men of 
Israel rejoiced greatly. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

202 (§62A). Look at the map of Canaan and find the tribe 
of Benjamin. Is it a very large tribe? The tribes occupied 
separate districts, something like our states. This story is 
going to tell us about how the first king was chosen, so it is 
particular to tell us where he came from and how it hap- 
pened. What kind of man was Saul ? Some animals that 
are used very much in Palestine had strayed : tell about them. 

203 (§62A). Saul and the servant had wandered a long way 
looking for the donkeys, probably spending several days in 
the hunt. At last Saul made up his mind to do something: 
what was it ? But the servant thought of a plan to help them 
in their search. The man of God was one who could help 
people in their troubles. They were supposed to bring him 
a present. What did Saul do about the present ? 

204 (§62B). Try to imagine the whole scene. Think what 
Saul and the servant were doing: whom did they meet and 



2o8 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

what did they ask? We must understand that a feast was 
to be held. The people were going to cook a whole animal. 
They would pour out the blood and burn the fat, which was 
called a sacrifice and was part of their religion; then they 
would eat the rest of the animal with great joy. It happened 
that the two men reached the city just as the feast was to be 
.held. And Samuel would be there to ask the blessing. The 
girls told the two men all this. What happened just as they 
reached the city ? 

205 (§626). The Philistines were enemies of Israel who 
greatly troubled them. Samuel had been wondering how the 
people could be saved from their enemies. What had the 
Lord told him ? What did Samuel feel just as soon as he 
saw Saul ? 

206 (§626). Try to imagine the meeting. What did Saul 
say? What did Samuel answer? Notice the invitation, the 
information about the donkeys, and especially the hint of 
some great thing. Saul is surprised: what does he say to 
Samuel ? 

207 (§626). What did Samuel do for Saul? What plan 
had Samuel made so that a good piece of meat could be kept ? 
Note the part of the animal that they thought best is the same 
that we like: it is the leg of lamb or the second joint of the 
turkey. What did Samuel say to Saul ? 

208 (§626). Evidently Samuel took Saul to his own house. 
What part of the house did they use in those days for visiting ? 
How could they do so ? What do you think they talked about ? 
Once during the Civil War Abraham Lincoln went to visit 
Henry Ward Beecher: what do you think they talked of? 
Samuel had great hopes that Saul was the man to save 
Israel. 

209 (§63A). After the conversation they went to bed. 
Then they talked again early in the morning. Then Samuel 
walked with Saul out of the city. What plan did Samuel 



SAMUEL AND SAUL 209 

use to be alone with Saul? Picture the scene to yourself: 
the old man with the flask of olive oil in his hand, the tall 
young man wondering about his future, the anointing, the 
solemn kiss, the promise. 

210 (§63A). What signs was Saul to have? Samuel's last 
word meant that Saul was to wait until some great opportunity 
should arise and then to do as God led him. We shall see how 
the opportunity came. 

211 (§636). Tell the story of what happened to Saul after 
he left Samuel. What was the conversation between Saul 
and his uncle ? What did Saul keep silent about ? Why do 
you think he did so? He was modest; he did not want to 
boast. It seems that he went quietly to work on his father's 
farm and waited for something to happen that should show 
him what to do; 

212 (§64). The scene of the story changes. Locate 
Ammon on the map, east of the Jordan. The Ammonites 
were old enemies of Israel. Locate Jabesh-Gilead, the town 
which they attacked. The people were afraid and begged for 
mercy. What terms did the cruel king offer them ? He was 
so sure that no one in Israel could save them that he let them 
send messengers asking for help. The messengers came to the 
town where Saul lived. Locate Gibeah in Saul's tribe. How 
did the people feel when they heard the news? What had 
Saul been doing since his return from Samuel ? Tell the 
story of how he came home on the day the messengers arrived. 

213 (§64). How did the news affect Saul? This was the 
opportunity that Samuel had told him to wait for. What 
striking thing did he do to gather an army ? Tell the story of 
the successful march to relieve Jabesh-Gilead. 

214 (§64). What did the people think of the hero who had 
saved them ? What did they do ? Who was the first presi- 
dent of the United States ? Why was he elected ? Who was 
the first king of Israel ? Why was he chosen ? 



2IO HEROES OF ISRAEL 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Make up a story about the day at Gibeah when the mes- 
sengers arrived from Jabesh-Gilead. Tell what the mes- 
sengers would report, how the people would feel, what they 
would say. Describe Saul's arrival, his interest, his indigna- 
tion, his splendid summons to Israel to follow him to save the 
town. 



XX. JONATHAN'S VICTORY 

THE STORY 

§65. The New King and the Old Foes (I Sam. 13:2-7, 

15-17; 14:1-23) 

A. THE OUTBREAK OF WAR 

When Saul had reigned two years over Israel, he 
chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof 
two thousand were with him in Michmash and in the 
mount of Beth-el, and a thousand were with Jona- 
than in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the 
people he sent every man to his tent. And Jonathan 
smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in 
Geba, and the PhiHstines heard of it. 

And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, 
saying, " Let the Hebrews hear." 

And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten the 
garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was 
had in abomination with the Philistines. And the 
people were gathered together after Saul. 

And the Philistines assembled themselves together 
to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six 
thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is 
on the sea shore in multitude : and they came up, and 
pitched in Michmash, eastward of Beth-aven. When 
the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for 
the people were distressed,) then the people did hide 
211 



212 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, 
and in holds, and in pits. 

Now some of the Hebrews had gone over Jordan 
to the land of Gad and Gilead. And Saul numbered 
the people that were present with him, about six 
hundred men. And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and 




A PHILISTINE 



the people that were present with them, abode in 
Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped 
in Michmash. And the spoilers came out of the 
camp of the Philistines. 

B. Jonathan's bold attack 
Now it fell upon a day, that Jonathan the son of 
Saul said unto the young man that bare his armor. 



JONATHAN'S VICTORY 213 

" Come and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, 
that is on yonder side." But he told not his father. 

And Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gibeah 
under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron : and 
the people that were with him were about six hun- 
dred men. And the people knew not that Jonathan 
was gone. And between the passes, by which Jona- 
than sought to go over unto the Philistines' garrison, 
there was a rocky crag on the one side, and a rocky 
crag on the other side. The one crag rose up on the 
north in front of Michmash, and the other on the 
south in front of Geba. 

And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his 
armor, " Come and let us go over unto the garrison : 
it may be that the Lord will work for us: for there 
is not restraint to the Lord to save by many or by 
few." 

And his armorbearer said unto him, " Do all that 
is in thine heart: turn thee, behold I am with thee 
according to thy heart." 

Then said Jonathan, " Behold, we will pass over 
unto the men, and we will discover ourselves unto 
them. If they say thus unto us, 'Tarry until we 
come to you;' then we will stand still in our place, 
and will not go up unto them. But if they say thus, 
' Come up unto us,' then we will go up : for the Lord 
hath delivered them into our hand: and .this shall be 
the sign unto us." 

And both of them discovered themselves unto the 



214 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

garrison of the Philistines : and the Philistines said, 
"Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes 
where they had hid themselves." And the men of the 
garrison answered Jonathan and his armorbearer, 
and said, " Come up to us, and we will show you a 
thing." And Jonathan said unto his armorbearer, 
" Come up after me : for the Lord hath delivered them 
into the hand of Israel." 

And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and 
upon his feet, and his armorbearer after him: and 
they fell before Jonathan; and his armorbearer 
slew them after him. And that first slaughter, which 
Jonathan and his armorbearer made, was about 
twenty men, within as it were half an acre of land. 
And there was a trembling in the camp, in the field, 
and among all the people; the garrison, and the 
spoilers, they also trembled: and the earth quaked; 
so there was an exceeding great trembling. 

C. THE GENERAL BATTLE 

And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin 
looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and 
they went hither and thither. 

Then said Saul unto the people that were with 
him, '^Number now, and see who is gone from 
us." 

And when they had numbered, behold, Jonathan 
and his armorbearer were not there. And Saul 
said unto Ahijah the priest, " Bring hither the ark of 



JONATHAJ^'S VICTORY 215 

God." For the ark of God was there at that time 
with the children of Israel. 

And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto the 
priest, that the tumult that was in the camp of the 
Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said 
unto the priest, " Withdraw thine hand." 

And Saul and all the people that were with him 
were gathered together, and came to the battle : and, 
behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, 
and there was a very great discomfiture. Now the 
Hebrews that were with the Philistines as before- 
time, which went up wath them into the camp from 
the country round about, even they also turned to be 
with the Israelites that were w^ith Saul and Jonathan. 
Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid them- 
selves in the hill country of Ephraim, when they 
heard that the Philistines fled, even they also fol- 
lowed hard after them in the battle. So the Lord 
saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over 
by Beth-aven. 

§66. Saul's Oath and Jonathan's Danger (I Sam. 
14:24-46) 

A. THE OATH OF ABSTINENCE 

And the men of Israel were distressed that day: 
for Saul had adjured the people, saying, "Cursed 
be the man that eateth any food until it be evening, 
and I be avenged on mine enemies." 

So none of the people tasted food. And all the 



2i6 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

people came into the forest; and there was honey 
upon the ground. And when the people were come 
unto the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no 
man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared 
the oath. But Jonathan heard not when his father 
charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put 
forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and 
dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his 
mouth; and his eyes were enlightened. 

Then answered one of the people, and said, "Thy 
father straitly charged the people with an oath, say- 
ing, ' Cursed be the man that eateth food this day.'" 
And the people were faint. 

Then said Jonathan, "My father hath troubled 
the land : see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been 
enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. 
How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely 
to-day of the spoil of their enemies which they found ? 
for had there not been now a much greater slaughter 
among the Philistines?" 

B. THE HUNGRY WARRIORS 

And they smote of the Philistines that day from 
Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very 
faint. And the people flew upon the spoil, and 
took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them 
on the ground: and the people did eat them with 
the blood. 

Then they told Saul, saying, "Behold, the people 
sin against the Lord, in that they eat with the blood." 



JONATHAN'S VICTORY 217 

And he said, "Ye have dealt treacherously: roll 
a great stone unto me this day." And Saul said, 
"Disperse yourselves among the people, and say 
unto them, 'Bring me hither every man his ox, 
and every man his sheep, and slay them here, and 
eat; and sin not against the Lord in eating with 
the blood.'" 

And all the people brought every man his ox with 
him that night, and slew them there. And Saul 
built an altar unto the Lord : the same was the first 
altar that he built unto the Lord. 

c. Jonathan's danger and rescue 

And Saul said, "Let us go down after the Phi- 
listines by night, and spoil them until the morning 
light, and let us not leave a man of them." 

And they said, "Do whatsoever seemeth good 
unto thee." 

Then said the priest, "Let us draw near hither 
unto God." And Saul asked counsel of God, 
"Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou 
deliver them into the hand of Israel?" But he an- 
swered him not that day. 

And Saul said, "Draw nigh hither, all ye chiefs 
of the people: and know and see wherein this sin 
hath been this day. For, as the Lord liveth, which 
saveth Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he 
shall surely die." But there was not a man among 
all the people that answered him. 



2i8 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Then said he unto all Israel, "Be ye on one side, 
and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side." 

And the people said unto Saul, " Do what seemeth 
good unto thee." 

Therefore Saul said unto the Lord, the God of 
Israel, "Show the right." And Jonathan and Saul 
were taken by lot: but the people escaped. 

And Saul said, "Cast lots between me and Jona- 
than my son." And Jonathan was taken. 

Then Saul said to Jonathan, "Tell me what thou 
hast done." 

And Jonathan told him, and said, " I did certainly 
taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was 
in mine hand; and, lo, I must die." 

And Saul said, "God do so and more also: for 
thou shalt surely die, Jonathan." 

And the people said unto Saul, "Shall Jonathan 
die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel ? 
God forbid: as the Lord liveth, there shall not one 
hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath 
wrought with God this day." 

So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. 
Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: 
and the Philistines went to their own place. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

215 (§65 A). There was a strong enemy on the western 
coast that was the most serious trouble to Israel. It was to 
save themselves from these people that the Hebrews had 



JONATHAN'S VICTORY 219 

longed for a king. Imagine how we should feel if some foreign 
nation should capture New York and Chicago and St. Louis 
and San Francisco and should compel us to give up a large 
part of our crops every year. We should look for a great 
general to lead us to turn them out. What then did Saul 
feel was his first duty as king? He had with him his noble 
son : what was his name ? The first blow was struck at the 
town of Geba: what followed at once? 

216 (§65A). Note the great force of the Philistines. What 
do you think they expected to do with the Hebrews? How 
did the Hebrews behave? We have seen before how the 
people would hide from their enemies. How many warriors 
did Saul have left? Notice that the two forces were drawn 
up on opposite sides of a valley. Each was on a height which 
it was difficult to attack. The reference to "the spoilers" 
means that the Philistines determined to destroy all the Hebrew 
country. The little army of Saul was unable to prevent the 
raids. 

217 (§656). Evidently some bold deed had to be done. We 
find that the king had a hero son. The knights in Europe 
used to have their squires: Jonathan had his armor-bearer. 
Why did he not tell his father of his plan ? At the battle of 
Santiago in the Cuban war Lieutenant Hobson wanted to do a 
very bold deed, but it was so dangerous that he had difhculty 
in getting permission. Jonathan was afraid his father would 
think his plan foolhardy. Study the description of the place. 
There was a narrow pass between two rocky crags. In order 
to reach the Philistines, Jonathan would have to climb the 
steep rock. Note that Jonathan hopes for the Lord to be with 
him. How does the armor-bearer respond ? 

218 (§656). Jonathan proposes to go into the open at the 
bottom of the valley and call to the Philistine sentinels, and 
then to decide whether to attack according to their reply. He 
thinks that they will make one of two replies: what were 



220 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

they? Tell what happened. How do you think the sudden 
attack of two men could have frightened the Philistines ? 

219 (§650). The Hebrew sentinels on their crag suddenly 
saw a great disturbance on the opposite height, which the 
Philistines held. What did Saul do ? The king intended to 
consult God through the priest, but the confusion in the 
enemy's camp grew so great that he decided to attack at once. 
Three causes helped to put the Philistines to flight : what were 
they? 

220 (§66A). In the old time it was thought to be very 
religious to make solemn vows to God. Saul felt that the 
Lord was saving Israel from the oppression : what oath did he 
put upon the people ? What did the hungry people find in 
the forest? How did they act? How did Jonathan act? 
The little food was so refreshing that he seemed to see clearly 
again, so it is said "his eyes were enlightened." Tell what 
conversation took place about the honey. 

221 (§66B). In order to understand this story, we must 
remember that it was considered wrong to eat meat unless it 
had been properly killed so that the blood could run off. The 
blood was thought to be an offering to God. The Jews still 
keep up the same custom, and their meat is always specially 
killed. When the Philistines fled, what property did they 
leave behind ? How did the hungry Hebrews behave ? How 
did Saul secure an altar where the animals could be properly 
killed ? Saul was very careful to do everything that was con- 
sidered right. 

222 (§66C). The king thought that the victory should be 
followed up, so that the Philistines could not return to trouble 
them. They had a custom of seeking to find out God's will 
about any matter through the priest, just as people do in the 
temples of Japan today. But there was some difiiculty in 
securing an answer, so Saul felt sure that someone had broken 
the oath. It was a most solemn matter to him. What did 



JONATHAN'S VICTORY 221 

he say to the leaders of the people ? Tell how they found out 
that Jonathan was guilty. 

223 (§66C). When a man was found out by the lot, he was 
expected to confess. What did Jonathan confess? Do you 
think that he had done wrong ? Evidently Saul thought so, 
because at that time it seemed terrible to break a solemn 
oath. Picture the scene to yourself and see how nobly 
Jonathan was ready to bear the punishment. 

224 (§66C). It seems to us most strange that the king should 
think so much of the matter as to feel that his son must die, but 
we must remember that it was part of their religion. It makes 
us very glad that we know God so much better, and that we 
can see that he must have been pleased with the hero who had 
risked his life to save his people from their enemies. Indeed 
we find that Jonathan's noble conduct was so clear that the 
people decided that the old custom must be broken. What 
did they say ? Why did they think the Lord would not wush 
Jonathan to die ? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Imagine that you were Jonathan's armor-bearer. Write 
a letter home, just as the young man might, telling what hap- 
pened that day. Make it as full of description as possible. 



DAVID 

XXI. David and the Giant 
XXII. The Hero Friends, David and Jonathan 

XXIII. David, the Outlaw 

XXIV. David, the King 

XXV. David and His Rebel Son 



XXI. DAVID AND THE GIANT 

THE STORY 

§67. The Anointing of David (I Sam. 16:1-13) 

And the Lord said unto Samuel, " I have rejected 
Saul from being king over Israel. Fill thine horn 
with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth- 
lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his 
sons." 

And Samuel said, " How can I go ? if Saul hear 
it, he will kill me." 

And the Lord said, "Take an heifer with thee, 
and say, 'I am come to sacrifice to the Lord.' And 
call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what 
thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him 
whom I name unto thee." 

And Samuel did that which the Lord spake, and 
came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came 
to meet him trembling, and said, " Comest thou 
peaceably?" 

And he said, ' 'Peaceably : I am come to sacrifice unto 
the Lord : sanctify yourselves, and come with me to 
the sacrifice." And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, 
and called them to the sacrifice. And it came to 
pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, 
and said, " Surely the Lord's anointed is before him." 

But the Lord said unto Samuel, ''Look not on 



226 



HEROES OF ISRAEL 



his countenance, or on the height of his stature; 
because I have rejected him : for the Lord seeth not 
as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward ap- 
pearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 




DAVID 

Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass 
before Samuel. And he said, "Neither hath the 
Lord chosen this." 

Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he 
said, "Neither hath the Lord chosen this." 

And Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before 



DAVID AND THE GIANT 227 

Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, "The Lord 
hath not chosen these." And Samuel said unto 
Jesse, "Are here all thy children?" 

And he said, "There remaineth yet the youngest, 
and, behold, he keepeth the sheep." 

And Samuel said unto Jesse, "Send and fetch 
him: for we will not sit down till he come hither." 

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was 
ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and 
goodly to look upon. And the Lord said, "Arise, 
anoint him: for this is he." 

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed 
him in* the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of 
the Lord came mightily upon David from that day 
forward. 

§68. David and Goliath (I Sam. 17: 1-14, 16-52) 
A. GOLIATH'S CHALLENGE 

Now the Phihstines gathered together their armies 
to battle, and they were gathered together at Socoh, 
which belongeth to Judah. And Saul and the men 
of Israel were gathered together, and pitched in the 
vale of Elah, and set the battle in array against the 
Phihstines. And the Philistines stood on the moun- 
tain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain 
on the other side: and there was a valley between 
them. 

And there went out a champion out of the camp 
of the Phihstines, named Gohath, of Gath, whose 



228 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

height was six cubits and a span. And he had an 
helmet of brass upon his head, and he was clad with 
a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five 
thousand shekels of brass. And he had greaves of 
brass upon his legs, and a javelin of brass between 
his shoulders. And the staff of his spear was like 
a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six 
hundred skekels of iron: and his shield-bearer went 
before him. And he stood and cried unto the armies 
of Israel, and said unto them, " Why are ye come out 
to set your battle in array ? am not I a Philistine, 
and ye servants to Saul ? choose you a man for you, 
and let him come down to me. If he be able to 
fight with me, and kill me, then will we be your 
servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, 
then shall ye be our servants, and serve us." And 
the Phihstine said, " I defy the -armies of Israel this 
day, give me a man, that we may fight together." 
And when Saul and all Israel heard those words of 
the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly 
afraid, and the Philistine drew near morning and 
evening, and presented himself forty days. 

B. DAVID'S VISIT TO THE ARMY 

Now Jesse had eight sons: and the man was an 
old man in the days of Saul, stricken in years among 
men. And the three eldest sons of Jesse had gone 
after Saul to the battle: and the names of his three 
sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn. 



DAVID AND THE GIANT 229 

and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 
And David was the youngest: and the three eldest 
followed Saul. 

And Jesse said unto David his son, " Take now for 
thy brethren an ephah of this parched corn, and these 
ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to 
thy brethren; and bring these ten cheeses unto the 
captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren 
fare." 

And David rose up early in the morning, and left 
the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as 
Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the place 
of the wagons, as the host which was going forth to 
the fight shouted for the battle. And Israel and the 
Philistines put the battle in array, army against 
army. And David left his baggage in the hand of 
the keeper of the baggage, and ran to the army, and 
came and saluted his brethren. And as he talked 
with them, behold, there came up the champion, 
the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the 
ranks of the Philistines, and spake according to the 
same words: and David heard them. And all the 
men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from 
him, and were sore afraid. And the men of Israel 
said, " Have ye seen this man that is come up ? 
surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, 
that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich 
him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, 
and make his father's house free in Israel." 



230 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And David spake to the men that stood by him, 
saying, "What shall be done to the man that killeth 
this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from 
Israel? for who is this Phihstine, that he should 
defy the armies of the living God ?" 

And the people answered him after this manner, 
saying, " So shall it be done to the man that killeth 
him." 

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake 
unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against 
David, and he said, "Why art thou come down? 
and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the 
wilderness ? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness 
of thine heart; for thou art come down that thuo 
mightest see the battle." 

And David said, "What have I now done? Is 
there not a cause ?" And he turned away from him 
toward another, and spake after the same manner: 
and the people answered him again after the former 
manner. 

C. THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE CHALLENGE 

And when the words were heard which David 
spake, they rehearsed them before Saul; and he sent 
for him. And David said to Saul, "Let no man's 
heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and 
fight with this Philistine." 

And Saul said to David, "Thou art not able to 
go against this Philistine to fight with him : for thou 



DAVID AND THE GIANT 231 

art but a youth, and he a man of war from his 
youth." 

And David said unto Saul, "Thy servant kept his 
father's sheep; and when there came a Hon, or a 
bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out 
after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his 
mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him 
by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy 
servant smote both the Hon and the bear: and this 
Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath 
defied the armies of the living God." And David 
said, "The Lord that delivered me out of the paw 
of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will 
deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." 

And Saul said unto David, " Go, and the Lord 
shall be with thee." And Saul clad David with his 
apparel, and he put an helmet of brass upon his 
head, and he clad him with a coat of mail. And 
David girded his sword upon his apparel, and he 
essayed to go; for he had not proved it. 

And David said unto Saul, "I cannot go with 
these; for I have not proved them." And David 
put them off him. 

D. THE COMBAT 

And lie took his staff in his hand, and chose him 
five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in 
the shepherd's bag which he had, even in his scrip; 
and his sling was in his hand : and he drew near to 



232 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

the Philistine. And the Philistine came on and 
drew near unto David; and the man that bare the 
shield went before him. And when the PhiHstine 
looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: 
for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a 
fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto 
David, "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with 
staves?" And the Philistine cursed David by his 
gods. And the Philistine said to David, "Come 
to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the 
air, and to the beasts of the field." 

Then said David to the Philistine, "Thou comest 
to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a 
javehn: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord 
of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, which thou 
hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into 
mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine 
head from off thee; and I will give the carcases of 
the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of 
the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all 
the earth may know that there is a God in Israel: 
and that all this assembly may know that the Lord 
saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the 
Lord's, and he will give you into our hand." 

And it came to pass, when the PhiHstine arose, 
and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David 
hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Phi- 
listine. And David put his hand in his bag, and 
took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the 



DAVID AND THE GIANT 233 

Philistine in his forehead; and the stone sank into 
his forehead, and he fell upon his face to the earth. 
So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling 
and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew 
him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. 
Then David ran, and stood over the Philistine, and 
took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, 
and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. 

And when the Philistines saw that their champion 
was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel and of 
Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philis- 
tines, until thou comest to Gath, and to the gates of 
Ekron. 

§69. David before Saul (I Sam. 17:15 — 18:5) 

And when Saul saw David go forth against the 
Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the 
host, ''Abner, whose son is this youth ?" 

And Abner said, "As thy soul liveth, O king, I 
cannot tell." 

And the king said, "Inquire thou whose son the 
stripling is." 

And as David returned from the slaughter of the 
Philistine, Abner took him, and brought him before 
Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 
And Saul said to him, "Whose son art thou, thou 
young man?" 

And David answered, "I am the son of thy 
servant Jesse the Bethlehemite." 



234 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And it came to pass, when he had made an end 
of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was 
knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him 
as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and 
would let him go no more home to his father's house. 
Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because 
he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan 
stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and 
gave it to David, and his apparel, even to his sword, 
and to his bow, and to his girdle. 

And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, 
and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over 
the men of war, and it was good in the sight of all 
the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

225 (§67). It is a surprise to read that Saul who had begun 
his reign so well had made a failure so early. But he was a 
headstrong man. He would not take Samuel's advice, and 
the old prophet realized that a new king would have to be 
chosen. We have now the interesting story of how David 
was given his first knowledge of the great future that was 
before him. 

226 (§67). Tell the story of the plan for a visit to Bethlehem. 
What did Samuel think when he saw Jesse's oldest son ? What 
did the Lord tell him about the way to judge of men ? Saul 
was a man of noble appearance, but sometimes such men 
are disappointing. What occurred regarding the other sons ? 
Tell the story of the anointing of David. Compare this with 
the anointing of Saul. 

227 (§68A). We hear again of the same old enemies of 



DAVID AND THE GIANT 235 

Israel. Who were they and where did they Hve ? Who was 
their champion ? Six cubits and a span would be at least 
ten feet, so we may suppose that as this story was told over 
and over again they came to exaggerate the height of the 
giant. But he must have been a very big man. He had heavy 
bronze armor. How many pieces? Five thousand shekels 
would be about 150 lbs. — a heavy coat of mail. Who was 
with him ? Tell the story of his challenge. 

228 (§68B). How many of David's brothers were in the 
army? Why did Jesse send David to the army and what 
presents did he send with him? Tell the story of David's 
inquiry about the Philistine. What did his brother say to 
him ? What did David think of the challenge ? 

229 (§68C). Tell the story of David's interview with Saul. 
What kind of a young man was he ? What had he been able 
to do in his shepherd life ? How did he get along with Saul's 
armor ? 

230 (§68D). There was one weapon with which David was 
very skilful. Some of the Israelites could do wonders with 
this simple weapon: read Judg. 20: 16. Try to imagine what 
the two men looked like when they met. Describe the meet- 
ing. 

231 (§68D). What did Goliath say to David ? The young 
man knew that the safety of his people depended upon this 
fight. What noble words did he say? Did he boast of his 
own skill ? Tell the story of the combat. 

232 (§69). What conversation took place regarding David ? 
What did Saul do for the young victor ? 

233 (§69). Jonathan comes out nobly in the story. We 
might think that he would be jealous of David's success, but 
instead of that, he was delighted with his fine appearance and 
his courage. How did Jonathan show his pleasure in David ? 
There began that day a great friendship that lasted till death. 
There can be no jealousy between friends. It is one of the 



236 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

noblest feelings, when one friend can be glad of another's 
advancement. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Try to imagine the kind of boyhood life that David must 
have lived. Think of his defense of the sheep, and of how 
he gained such wonderful skill with the sling. Do you think 
this required long practice? Write a short story of David 
as a boy just as you think he might have been up to the time 
he was anointed by Samuel. 



XXII. THE HERO FRIENDS, DAVID AND 
JONATHAN 

THE STORY 

§70. Saul's Jealousy of David (I Sam. 18:6-9, 
27-29; 19:1-18) 

A. THE BEGINNING OF THE JEALOUSY 

And it came to pass as they came, when David 
returned from the slaughter of the PhiHstine, that 
the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing 
and dancing, to meet king Saul, with timbrels, with 
joy, and with instruments of music. And the wo- 
men sang one to another as they played, and said, 

Saul hath slain his thousands. 
And David his ten thousands. 

And Saul was very wroth, and this saying displeased 
h^'m; and he said, "They have ascribed unto David 
ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but 
thousands: and what can he have more but the 
kingdom ? " And Saul eyed David from that day 
and forward. 

And Saul gave him Michal his daughter to wife. 
And Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with 
David; and Michal Saul's daughter loved him. 
And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and 
Saul was David's enemy continually. 
237 



238 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

B. JONATHAN THE PEACEMAKER 

And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to 
all his servants, that they should slay David. 
But Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in 
David. 

And Jonathan told David, saying, " Saul my fath- 
er seeketh to slay thee: now therefore, I pray thee, 
take heed to thyself in the morning, and abide in a 
secret place, and hide thyself : and I will go out and 
stand beside my father in the field where thou art, 
and I will commune wHh my father of thee ; and if 
I see ought, I will tell thee." 

And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his 
father, and said unto him, ''Let not the king sin 
against his servant, against David; because he hath 
not sinned against thee, and because his works have 
been very good toward thee: for he put his Kfe in 
his hand, and smote the Philistine, and the Lord 
wrought a great victory for all Israel: thou sawest 
it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin 
against innocent blood, to slay David without a 
cause?" 

And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: 
and Saul sware, "As the Lord liveth, he shall not 
be put to death." 

And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan showed 
him all those things. And Jonathan brought David 
to Saul, and he was in his presence, as before- 
time. 



DAVID AND JONATHAN 239 

C. SAUL'S ATTEMPTS TO KILL DAVID 

And there was war again: and David went out, 
and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with 
a great slaughter; and they fled before him. And an 
evil spirit from the I^ord was upon Saul, as he sat 
in his house with his spear in his hand; and David 
played with his hand. And Saul sought to smite 
David even to the wall with the spear; but he slipped 
away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the spear 
into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that 
night. And Saul sent messengers unto David's 
house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morn- 
ing: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, "If 
thou save not thy life to-night, to-morrow thou shalt 
be slain." So Michal let David down through the 
window : and he went, and fled, and escaped. 

And Michal took the teraphim, and laid it in the 
bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair at the head thereof, 
and covered it with the clothes. And when Saul sent 
messengers to take David, she said, "He is sick." 

And Saul sent the messengers to see David, saying, 
"Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay 
him." And when the messengers came in, behold, the 
teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goats' 
hair at the head thereof. And Saul said unto 
Michal, " Why hast thou deceived me thus, and let 
mine enemy go, that he is escaped?" 

And Michal answered Saul, "He said unto me, 
' Let me go; why should I kill thee ? ' " 



240 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Now David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel 
to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to 
him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth. 

§71. The Two Friends (I Sam. 20:1-39) 

A. THE COVENANT OF THE FRIENDS 

And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came 
and said before Jonathan, "What have I done? 
what is mine iniquity ? and what is my sin before 
thy father, that he seeketh my life ?" 

And he said unto him, ''God forbid; thou shalt 
not die: behold, my father doeth nothing either 
great or small, but that he discloseth it unto me: 
and why should my father hide this thing from me ? 
it is not so." 

And David sware moreover, and said, ''Thy 
father knoweth well that I have found grace in thine 
eyes; and he saith, 'Let not Jonathan know this, 
lest he be grieved' : but truly as the Lord liveth, and 
as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and 
death." 

Then said Jonathan unto David, "Whatsoever 
thy soul desire th, I will even do it for thee." 

And David said unto Jonathan, "Behold, to-mor- 
row is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with 
the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide 
myself in the field unto the third day at even. If thy 
father miss me at all, then say, 'David earnestly 
asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem 



DAVID AND JONATHAN 241 

his city: for it is the yearly sacrifice there for all 
the family.' If he say thus, 'It is well;' thy serv- 
ant shall have peace : but if he be wroth, then know 
that evil is determined by him. Therefore deal 
kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy 
servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee : but if 
there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why 
shouldest thou bring me to thy father?" 

And Jonathan said, "Far be it from thee: for if 
I should at all know that evil were determined by 
my father to come upon thee, then would not I tell 
it thee?" 

Then said David to Jonathan, " Who shall tell me 
if perchance thy father answer thee roughly?" 

And Jonathan said unto David, "Come and let 
us go out into the field." And they went out both 
of them into the field. 

And Jonathan said unto David, "The Lord, the 
God of Israel, be witness; when I have sounded my 
father about this time to-morrow, or the third day, 
behold, if there be good toward David, shall I not 
then send unto thee, and disclose it unto thee ? The 
Lord do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it 
please my father to do thee evil, if I disclose it not 
unto thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest 
go in peace: and the Lord be with thee, as he hath 
been with my father. And thou shalt not only while 
yet I live show me the kindness of the Lord, that I 
die not : but also thou shalt not cut off thv kindness 



242 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

from my house for ever : no, not when the Lord hath 
cut off the enemies of David every one from the face 
of the earth." 

And Jonathan caused David to swear again, for 
the love that he had to him: for he loved him as he 
loved his own soul. Then Jonathan said unto him, 
"To-morrow is the new moon: and thou shalt be 
missed, because thy seat will be empty. And when 
thou hast stayed three days, thou shalt go down 
quickly, and come to the place where thou didst hide 
thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt 
remain by the stone Ezel. And I will shoot three 
arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a 
mark. And behold, I will send the lad, saying, ' Go, 
find the arrows.' If I say unto the lad, ' Behold, the 
arrows are on this side of thee': take them, and 
come; for there is peace to thee and no hurt, as the 
Lord liveth. But if I say thus unto the boy, ' Be- 
hold, the arrows are beyond thee' ; go thy way; for the 
Lord hath sent thee away. And as touching the 
matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, 
the Lord is between thee and me for ever." 

B. SAUL'S DEADLY ANGER 

So David hid himself in the field: and when the 
new moon was come, the king sat him down to eat 
meat. And the king sat upon his seat, as at other 
times, even upon the seat by the wall; and Jonathan 
stood up, and Abner sat by Saul's side: but David's 



DAVID AND JONATHAN 243 

place was empty. Nevertheless Saul spake not any 
thing that day; for he thought, "Something hath 
befallen him, he is not clean; surely he is not 
clean." And it came to pass on the morrow after 
the new moon, which was the second day, that 
David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jona- 
than his son, "Wherefore cometh not the son of 
Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to-day ?" 

And Jonathan answered Saul, "David earnestly 
asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem: and he said 
' Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacri- 
fice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded 
me to be there : and now, if I have found favor in 
thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my 
brethren.' Therefore he -is not come unto the 
king's table." 

Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, 
and he said unto him, "Thou son of a perverse rebel- 
lious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen 
the son of Jesse to thine own shame ? For as long 
as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt 
not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now 
send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die." 

And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said 
unto him, " Wherefore should he be put to death ? 
what hath he done ?" 

And Saul cast his spear at him to smite him: 
whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of 
his father to put David to death. So Jonathan arose 



244 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat 
the second day of the month : for he was grieved for 
David, because his father had done him shame. 

C. THE PARTING OF THE FRIENDS 

And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan 
went out into the field at the time appointed with 
David, and a little lad with him. And he said unto 
his lad, "Run, find now the arrows which I shoot." 
And as the lad ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 
And when the lad was come to the place of the arrow 
which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the 
lad, and said, "Is not the arrow beyond thee?" 
And Jonathan cried after the lad, "Make speed, 
haste, stay not." And Jonathan's lad gathered up 
the arrows, and came to his master. But the lad 
know not any thing: only Jonathan and David 
knew the matter. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

234. When David returned victorious from the fight with 
Goliath, Jonathan, the king's son, made a fast friendship with 
him. Read §69. What do you think each of these young 
men would admire in the other? There was the beginning 
that day of a Hfe-long friendship. 

235 (§7oA). It is still the custom among the Arabs for the 
women to go dancing and singing to meet the warriors return- 
ing from a fight. The women of Israel had the simplest 
musical instrument, the tambourine, such as the Salvation 
Army women use. They composed a little verse to sing: 
what was it ? How did Saul feel when he heard it ? Was it 
natural for him to have this feeling ? It was a very sad thing 



DAVID AND JONATHAN 245 

connected with the Spanish War, that after the battle of 
Santiago there was a bitter jealousy between the two American 
admirals. It is a most pitiful thing when great men are 
jealous. Recall why we called Abraham ''magnanimous." 
What would have been magnanimous conduct in Saul ? Was 
Jonathan jealous ? 

236 (§7oB). There are a number of stories of Saul's enmity 
against David. We shall study a few of them. How did 
Jonathan try to be the peacemaker? How did he praise 
David to the king? What effect did it have? Evidently 
Saul had a better nature, to which Jonathan could appeal, but 
there was always danger that the fit of jealousy would return. 

237 (§7oC). David had been appointed to a high command 
in the army. He seems always to have been successful 
against the Philistines. But it made Saul jealous. Saul had 
been subject to fits of melancholy, which was explained in 
those days as caused by an evil spirit. David, who was a 
skilful player on the harp, had often been able to soothe the 
king. So, when the jealousy made him moody, David tried 
to cheer him with music. But a sudden fit of rage came upon 
Saul. What happened ? 

238 (§7oC). David had married Michal, the daughter of 
the king. What plan of Saul's did she discover? How did 
she help her husband to escape ? The teraphim was an idol 
about the size of a man: how did Michal use it to deceive 
Saul's messengers ? But when Saul was determined to have 
David brought to him even if he were sick in bed, how was the 
deceit discovered? What did Saul say to his daughter? 
Notice that she told her father a falsehood, saying that David 
had threatened to kill her. Where did David flee ? 

239 (§7iA). This is another story of how Jonathan helped 
David when he first found out his father's jealousy. Note 
that Jonathan feels sure that Saul will not do evil to David, 
but David is certain of his danger. A plan is thought of to 



246 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

find out whether the king is really David's enemy. There 
was to be the regular monthly religious feast at the time of the 
new moon and it was David's duty to be present. What was 
the plan that he suggested to test the king ? What appeal does 
David make to Jonathan? The two friends go out into the 
field where they can talk unobserved. 

240 (§7iA). This is the story of the covenant or agreement. 
If Jonathan finds that Saul is well disposed to David, what 
does he promise to do ? If Saul is evil disposed, what does he 
agree to do ? He is sure that David will succeed to the throne; 
what therefore does he ask of him in the future? We are 
glad to know that David remembered this promise long after 
and took care of Jonathan's lame son. 

241 (§7iA). Jonathan knows that it will be dangerous for 
him to tell David the result of his observation of the king as 
he would probably be watched, so he arranges to tell him by 
signal. Read the story carefully, and then tell in your own 
words how David was to know if he could return safely, and 
how he was to know if he must escape. 

242 (§7iB). Tell the story of the Feast of the New Moon. 
Notice that Saul did not object to David's absence the first 
day, thinking that there might be some religious cleansing, 
that was necessary. What excuse did Jonathan make? 
The king thought that Jonathan could not understand that 
David would get the throne, and he was angry with him for 
being so foolish as to be friends with him. Do you think 
Jonathan knew that David was to be king? What was the 
end of the discussion between the king and his son ? 

243 (§7iC). How did Jonathan inform David that the king 
was his enemy? Why did he say to the boy, ''Make speed, 
haste, stay not" ? So these two friends parted, each trusting 
the other. 

Vi^RITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short story telling why you think Jonathan was a 
true friend. 



XXIII. DAVID, THE OUTLAW 

THE STORY 

§72. The Band of Outlaws (I Sam. 22:1, 2 ; 
23:1-8, 13, 14; 25:2-42) 

A. THE GATHERING OF THE BAND 

David arose and fled for fear of Saul, and escaped 
to the cave of Adullam: and when his brethren and 
all his father's house heard it, they went down 
thither to him. And every one that was in distress, 
and every one that was in debt, and every one that 
was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; 
and he became captain over them: and there were 
with him about four hundred men. 

And they told David, saying, ''Behold, the Phi- 
listines are fighting against Keilah, and they rob the 
threshing-floors." 

Therefore David enquired of the Lord, saying, 
"Shall I go and smite these Philistines?" 

And the Lord said unto David, "Go, and smite 
the Philistines, and save Keilah." 

And David's men said unto him, "Behold, we be 
afraid here in Judah : how much more then if we go 
to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?" 

Then David enquired of the Lord yet again. And 
the Lord answered him and said, "Arise, go down 
247 



248 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine 
hand." 

And David and his men went to Keilah, and fought 
with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, 
and slew them with a great slaughter. So David 
saved the inhabitants of Keilah. 

And it was told Saul that David was come to 
Keilah. And Saul summoned all the people to war, 
to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. 
Then David and his men, which were about six hun- 
dred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went 
whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul 
that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare 
to go forth. 

And David abode in the wilderness in the strong- 
holds, and remained in the hill country. 

B. DAVID'S REQUEST OF NABAL 

And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions 
were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he 
had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: 
and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the 
name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his 
wife Abigail: and the woman was of good under- 
standing, and of a beautiful countenance : but the 
man was churlish and evil in his doings. 

And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did 
shear his sheep. And David sent ten young men, 
and David said unto the young men, " Get you up 



DAVID, THE OUTLAW 249 

to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my 
name: and thus shall ye say to him that liveth in 
piosperity, 'Peace be both unto thee, and peace be 
to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast. 
And now I have heard that thou hast shearers : thy 
shepherds have now been with us, and we did them 
no hurt, neither was there aught missing unto them, 
all the while they were in Carmel. Ask thy young 
men, and they will tell thee : wherefore let the young 
men find favor in thine eyes; for we come in a good 
day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine 
hand, unto thy servants, and to thy son David.' " 

And when David^s young men came, they spake 
to Nabal according to all those words in the name of 
David. And Nabal answered David's servants, and 
said, "Who is David ? and who is the son of Jesse ? 
there be many serv^ants now-a-days that break away 
every man from his master. Shall I then take my 
bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed 
for my shearers, and give it unto men of whom I know 
not whence they be ? " 

So David's young men turned on their way, and 
went back, and came and told him according to all 
these words. And David said unto his men, " Gird 
ye on every man his sword." And they girded on 
every man his sword; and David also girded on his 
sword: and there went up after David about four 
hundred men; and two hundred abode by the 
stuff. 



250 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

C. ABIGAIL'S PEACEMAKING 

But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's 
wife, saying, "Behold, David sent messengers out 
of the wilderness to salute our master; and he flew 
upon them. But the men were very good unto us, 
and we were not hurt, neither missed we anything, 
as long as we were with them, when we were in the 
fields : they were a wall unto us both by night and 
by day, all the while we were with them keeping 
the sheep. Now therefore know and consider 
what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against 
our master, and against all his house: for he is 
such a worthless fellow, that one cannot speak to 
him." 

Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred 
loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready 
dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and a 
hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes 
of figs, and laid them on asses. And she said unto 
her young men, " Go on before me; behold, I come 
after you." But she told not her husband Nabal. 
And it was so, as she rode on her ass, and came down 
by the covert of the mountain, that, behold, David 
and his men came down against her; and she met 
them. Now David had said, " Surely in vain have 
I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, so 
that nothing was missed of all that belonged unto 
him: and he hath returned me evil for good. God 
do so unto David, and more also, if I leave of all that 



DAVID, THE OUTLAW 251 

pertain to him by the morning Hght so much as one 
man child." 

And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and 
hghted off her ass, and fell before David on her face, 
and bowed herself to the ground. And she fell at his 
feet, and said, "Upon me, my lord, upon me be the 
iniquity: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak 
in thine ears, and hear thou the words of thine hand- 
maid. Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this 
worthless fellow, even Nabal: for as his name is, 
so is he; Nabal, fool, is his name, and folly is with 
him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men 
of my lord, whom thou didst send. Now therefore, 
this present which thy servant hath brought unto my 
lord, let it be given unto the young men that follow 
my lord. Forgive, I pray thee, the trespass of thine 
handmaid: for the Lord will certainly make my 
lord a sure house, because my lord fighteth the bat- 
tles of the Lord; and evil shall not be found in thee 
all thy days. And though man be risen up to pur- 
sue thee, and to seek thy life, yet the life of my lord 
shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord 
thy God; and the lives of thine enemies, them shall 
he shng out, as from the hollow of a sling. And it 
shall come to pass, when the Lord shall have done 
to my lord according to all the good that he hath 
spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed 
thee prince over Israel; that this shall be no grief unto 
thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that 



252 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath 
avenged himself: and when the Lord shall have 
dealt well with my lord, then remember thine hand- 
maid." 

And David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the Lord, 
the God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet 
me: and blessed be thy wisdom, and blessed be 
thou, which hast kept me this day from bloodguilti- 
ness, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. 
For in very deed, as the Lord, the God of Israel, 
liveth, which hath withholden me from hurting 
thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to 
meet me, surely there had not been left unto 
Nabal by the morning light so much as one man 
child." 

So David received of her hand that which she had 
brought him: and he said unto her, " Go up in peace 
to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, 
and have accepted thy person." 

D. THE END OF NABAL 

And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held 
a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and 
Nabal' s heart was merry within him, for he was very 
drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or 
more, until the morning light. And it came to pass 
in the morning, when the wine was gone out of 
Nabal, that his wife told him these things, and his 
heart died within him, and he became as a stone. 



DAVID, THE OUTLAW 253 

And it came to pass about ten days after, that the 
Lord smote Nabal, that he died. 

And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he 
said, "Blessed be the Lord, that hath pleaded the 
cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and 
hath kept back his servant from evil; and the evil- 
doing of Nabal hath the Lord returned upon his own 
head." 

And David sent and spake concerning Abigail, to 
take her to him to wife. And when the servants of 
David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake 
unto her, saying, "David hath sent us unto thee, to 
take thee to him to wife." 

And she arose, and bowed herself with her face 
to the earth, and said, " Behold, thine handmaid is a 
servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord." 
And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an 
ass, with five damsels of hers that followed her; 
and she went after the messengers of David, and 
became his wife. 

§73. David's Generosity to Saul (I Sam. 
26:2-25; 27:1-4) 

A. THE SLEEPING ENEMY 

And Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness, 
having three thousand chosen men of Israel with 
him, to seek David. David therefore sent out spies 
and knew where Saul was come. And David arose, 
and came to the place where Saul had pitched : and 



254 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner, 
the captain of his host : and Saul lay within the place 
of the wagons, and the people pitched round about 
him. Then answered David and said to Ahimelech 
the Hittite, and to Abishai, ^' Who will go down with 
me to Saul to the camp ? " 

And Abishai said, "I will go down with thee." 

So David and Abishai came to the people by night : 
and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the place of the 
wagons, with his spear stuck in the ground at his 
head: and Abner and the people lay round about 
him. 

Then said Abishai to David, " God hath delivered 
up thine enemy into thine hand this day : now there- 
fore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear to 
the earth at one stroke, and I will not smite him the 
second time." 

And David said to Abishai, "Destroy him not: 
for who can put forth his hand against the Lord's 
anointed, and be guiltless?" And David said, ''As 
the Lord liveth, either the Lord shall smite him; or 
his day shall come to die; or he shall go down into 
battle, and perish. The Lord forbid that I should 
put forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed: 
but now take, I pray thee, the spear that is at his 
head, and the cruse of water, and let us go." 

So David took the spear and the cruse of water 
from Saul's head; and they gat them away, and no 
man saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake: 



DAVID, THE OUTLAW 255 

for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from 
the Lord was fallen upon them. 

B. SAUL'S REPENTANCE 

Then David went over to the other side, and stood 
on the top of the mountain afar off; a great space 
being between them: and David cried to the people, 
and to Abner, saying, " Answerest thou not, Abner ?" 

Then Abner answered and said, "Who art thou 
that criest to the king?" 

And David said to Abner, "Art not thou a valiant 
man ? and who is like to thee in Israel ? wherefore 
then hast thou not kept watch over thy lord the king ? 
for there came one of the people in to destroy the 
king thy lord. This thing is not good that thou hast 
done. As the Lord liveth, ye are worthy to die, be- 
cause ye have not kept watch over your lord, the 
Lord's anointed. And now, see, where the king's 
spear is, and the cruse of water that was at his 
head." 

And Saul knew David's voice, and said, "Is this 
thy voice, my son David?" 

And David said, "It is my voice, my lord, O king. 
Wherefore doth my lord pursue after his servant ? 
for what have I done ? or what evil is in mine hand ? 
for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as 
when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains." 

Then said Saul, "I have sinned: return, my son 
David: for I will no more do thee harm, because 



256 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

my life was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, 
I have played the fool, and have erred exceed- 
ingly." 

And David answered and said, "Behold the 
spear, O king ! let then one of the young men come 
over and fetch it. And the Lord shall render to 
every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: 
forasmuch as the Lord delivered thee into my hand 
to-day, and I would not put forth mine hand against 
the Lord's anointed. And, behold, as thy life was 
much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my hfe be 
much set by in the eyes of the Lord, and let him 
deliver me out of all tribulation." 

Then Saul said to David, "Blessed be thou, my 
son David: thou shalt both do mightily, and shalt 
surely prevail." So David went his way, and Saul 
returned to his place. 

C. DAVID'S FLIGHT FROM ISRAEL 

And David said in his heart, " I ^hall now perish 
one day by the hand of Saul : there is nothing better 
for me than that I should escape into the land of the 
Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me 
any more in all the borders of Israel: so shall I 
escape out of his hand." 

And David arose, and passed over, he and the six 
hundred men that were with him, unto Achish the 
king of Gath. And David dwelt with Achish at 
Gath, he and his men. And it was told Saul that 



DAVID, THE OUTLAW 257 

David was fled to Gath: and he sought no more again 
for him. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 
244. It was clear to David that Saul had determined to kill 
him. He therefore decided to flee to his own tribe of Judah 
and to dwell in the mountains where it would be hard for Saul . 
to reach him. The caves in the Judean hills have been the 
refuge all through the centuries for those who were in danger 
from the government. In thus fleeing from the king, David 
became an outlaw, that is, one who refuses to be under the 
law. Of course he was obliged to do so by the king's tyranny. 

245 (§72A). AduUam was probably about twelve miles 
from Bethlehem. David would have friends near his own 
town. He gathered to him all his own relatives, who otherwise 
might have been killed by the king. Three classes of people 
are mentioned as joining him: who are they? The first would 
be those who were oppressed, the second those who were likely 
to be sold as slaves for debt, the third those who had some 
grievance. It has often happened in countries where there 
was no free government that men have banded together in 
sufficient strength to defy the rulers. In English history we 
read of Robin Hood and his outlaws, who made the rich pay 
tribute, when they caught them in the forest. Of course in 
our modern free states there is no excuse for any such life, 
and we rightly put down all bandits as criminals. How many 
men did David have at the first ? 

246 (§72A). News soon came to David that the people of 
Keilah, a few miles south of Adullam, were being robbed by 
the old enemies, the Philistines. They had come when the 
people were threshing the grain, and intended to steal it. 
How did David use his band of adventurers against the Phi- 
listines ? What food supply did he secure ? 

247 (§72A). How^wasjDavid's expedition brought to an 



258 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

end ? How large had his band grown to be ? He must have 
been an able chieftain to attract these men to him. The next 
story shows how he provided for them. 

248 (§726). Find Maon and Carmel on the map, just south 
of Hebron. Who was the rich sheep owner ? What kind of 
man was he and what kind of wife had he ? It is evident that 
David's men had protected the shepherds. What request 
did he make at the time of the shearing feast ? Was this a 
reasonable request ? There were so many bands of robbers 
abroad that it was a great advantage to the Judean shepherds 
to have David's protection. Of course he in turn needed 
supplies for his men. 

249 (§726). What answer did Nabal send back? How 
did he sneer at David's band? What did David decide to 
do ? How did he divide his men ? 

250 (§72C). What report was brought to Abigail? What 
did the shepherds think of David ? What did Abigail imme- 
diately do ? David was in a great rage with Nabal, though 
of course he really had no right to any pay from the man. 
What vengeance had he decided to take ? What do you think 
of that ? How thankful it makes us feel that we live in times 
when we have strong laws, and no man is permitted to take 
the law in his own hands. 

251 (§72C). Notice how beautifully Abigail speaks to 
David, telling him that she knows he will never be sorry that 
he was merciful. How does David respond ? What do you 
think of a man who gives up his purpose so suddenly ? 

252 (§72D). Note the character of the drunken fellow and 
his cowardice when he learned of his escape. Probably his 
drunkenness and the shock of his terror seriously affected 
him. How long afterward did he die ? When David heard 
the news, what message did he send to the beautiful Abigail ? 
How did she reply ? 

253 (§73A). Saul had not given up his determination to 



DAVID, THE OUTLAW 259 

kill David. He had made several unsuccessful attempts to 
capture him. At last he heard of David's hiding-place. How 
many men did he take with him ? But David was ever on the 
watch. How did he discover that Saul was coming ? 

254 (§73A). Tell the story of the sleeping camp, of David's 
stealthy approach with a single companion, of the proposal 
of Abishai, of David's reply, of the spear and the jug of water. 
What did we mean when we said Abraham was "magnani- 
mous" ? Would you say that David was magnanimous ? 
Read Rom. 12 : 19-21. Where does David appear best — 
when he threatens Nabal or when he spares Saul ? 

255 (§73B). Tell the story of the conversation with Saul: 
David's summons to the sleepers, his reproach of the captain, 
Saul's recognition, David's appeal, Saul's repentance, the 
peaceful separation. 

256 (§73C). David knew that he could not trust Saul. 
There was constant danger from the jealous king, so he de- 
cided to leave the country. We are surprised to find that he 
found refuge with Israel's enemies. Where did he go? 
Locate the city on the map. How was he received ? What 
did Saul decide ? But David could afford to wait. In a little 
while everything was going to turn to his advantage. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Imagine that you were Abishai. Write the story as though 
you were telling your brother Joab about that night when 
you crept with David to the sleeping camp. Describe all that 
happened and tell what you thought of David. 



XXIV. DAVID, THE KING 

THE STORY 

§74. The Way to the Throne (I Sam. 31 : 1-6; II Sam. 

1:1-4, i7j 19. 20, 23, 24, 26, 27; 2:1-4, 

8-11; 3:1; 5:1-3) 

A. THE BATTLE OF GILBOA 

Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and 
the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, 
and fell down slain in mount Gilboa. And the Phi- 
listines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; 
and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, 
and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. And the battle 
went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook 
him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of 
the archers. Then said Saul to his armorbearer, 
"Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; 
lest these Philistines come and thrust me through, 
and abuse me." 

But his armorbearer would not; for he was 
sore afraid. Therefore Saul took his sword, and 
fell upon it. And when his armorbearer saw that 
Saul was dead, he likewise fell upon his sword, and 
died with him. So Saul died, and his three sons, and 
his armorbearer, and all his men, that same day 
together. 

260 



DAVID, THE KING 261 

B. DAVID'S DIRGE OVER SAUL AND JONATHAN 

And it came to pass after the death of Saul, that 
a man came out of the camp from Saul with his 
clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it 
was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, 
and did obeisance. And David said unto him, 
"From whence comest thou? " 

And he said unto him, " Out of the camp of Israel 
am I escaped." 

And David said unto him, " How went the matter ? 
I pray thee, tell me." 

And he answered, "The people are fled from 
the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and 
dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also." 

And David lamented with this lamentation over 
Saul and over Jonathan his son: 

Thy glory, O Israel, is slain upon thy high places ! 
How are the mighty fallen ! 

Tell it not in Gath, 

Publish (t not in the streets of Ashkelon; 
Lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, 
Lest the daughters of the enemy triumph. 

Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in 

their lives, 
And in their death they were not divided; 
They were swifter than eagles. 
They were stronger than lions. 



262 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, 

Who clothed you in scarlet delicately, 

Who put omarnents of gold upon your apparel. 

I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan : 
Very pleasant hast thou been unto me : 
Thy love to me was wonderful, 
Passing the love of women. 

How are the mighty fallen. 

And the weapons of war perished ! 

C. DAVID MADE KING 

And it came to pass after this, that David enquired 
of the Lord, saying, " Shall I go up into any of the 
cities of Judah?" 

And the Lord said unto him, ''Go up." 

And David said, "Whither shall I go up?" 

And he said, "Unto Hebron." 

So David went up thither, and his men that were 
with him did David bring up: and they dwelt in the 
cities of Hebron. And the men of Judah came, and 
there they anointed David king over the house of 
Judah. 

Now Abner, the captain of Saul's host, had taken 
Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and made him king 
over Israel. But the house of Judah followed David. 
And the time that David was king in Hebron over 
the house of Judah was seven years and six months. 

Now there was long war between the house of Saul 



DAVID, THE KING 263 

and the house of David : and David waxed stronger 
and stronger, but the house of Saul waxed weaker 
and weaker, and when Ish-bosheth was dead, then 
came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, 
and spake, saying, "Behold, we are thy bone and 
thy flesh. In times past, when Saul was king over 
us, it was thou that leddest out and broughtest in 
Israel : and the Lord said to thee, ' Thou shalt feed 
my people Israel, and thou shalt be prince over 
Israel' " 

So all the elders of Israel came to the king to 
Hebron; and king David made a covenant with them 
in Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed 
David king over Israel. 

§75. David's Great Reign (I Chron. 11:4-9; H Sam. 

5:17-25; 8:2-6, 13, 14; 10:6, 17-19; ii:i; 

12:29-31; 5:11, 12; 23:14-17) 

A. THE NEW CAPITAL 

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, where 
the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. And 
the inhabitants said to David, "Thou shalt not 
come hither." 

Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion. 
And David said, "Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites 
first shall be chief and captain." 

So Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was 
chief. And David dwelt in the stronghold; there- 
fore they called it the city of David. And he built 



264 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

the city round about, from Millo, even round about: 
and Joab repaired the rest of the city. So David 
waxed greater and greater: for the Lord of hosts 
was with him. 

B. DAVID'S WARS OF DEFENSE 

And when the PhiHstines heard that they had 
anointed David king over Israel, they went up and 
spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 

And David enquired of the Lord, saying, " Shall 
I go up against the Philistines? wilt thou deliver 
them into my hand ?" 

And the Lord said unto David, "Go up; for 
I will certainly deliver the Phihstines into thy 
hand." 

And David went up and smote them; and he said, 
"The Lord hath broken down mine enemies before 
me like the breaking of waters." 

And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread 
themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And when 
David enquired of the Lord, he said, "Thou shalt 
not go up. Go about to their rear and come upon 
them opposite the mulberry trees. And it shall be, 
when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops 
of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir 
thyself; for then is the Lord gone out before thee 
to smite the host of the Philistines." 

And David did so as the Lord commanded him, 
and smote the Philistines, and subdued them. 



DAVID, THE KING 265 

And he smote Moab. And the Moabites became 
servants to David and brought tribute. 

And David put garrisons in Damascus; and the 
Syrians became servants to David, and brought 
tribute. And the Lord gave victory to David whith- 
ersoever he went. 

And David got him a name when he returned from 
smiting Edom in the valley of salt, even eighteen 
thousand men. And he put garrisons in Edom; 
and all the Edomites became servants to David. 

And the children of Ammon hired the Syrians. 
And it was told David; and he gathered all Israel 
together, and passed over the Jordan. And the 
Syrians set themselves in array against David, and 
fought with him. And the Syrians fled before Is- 
rael; and David slew the men of seven hundred 
chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horse- 
men, and smote the captain of their host. 

And when all the kings saw that they were smitten 
before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and 
served them. So the Syrians feared to help the 
children of Ammon any more. 

And it came to pass, at the return of the year, that 
David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all 
Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon. 
And David went to Rabbah, and fought against it, 
and took it. And he brought forth the spoil of the 
city exceeding much. And thus did he unto all the 
cities of the children of Ammon. 



266 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, 
and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and 
they built David a house. And David perceived 
that the Lord had estabHshed him king over Israel, 
and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people 
Israel's sake. 



And at one time David was in the stronghold, and 
the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 
And David longed, and said, '^Oh that one would 
give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, 
which is by the gate ! " 

And the three mighty men brake through the 
host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the 
well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, 
and brought it to David: nevertheless he would 
not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the Lord. 
And he said, "Be it far from me, O Lord, that I 
should do this: shall I drink the blood of the men 
that went in jeopardy of their lives?" therefore he 
would not drink it. 

These things did these three mighty men. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

257. David spent many years as captain of his outlaw 
band, first in the mountains of Judah and then in Philistia. 
The PhiHstines thought he had given up his own people and 
become one of them. Fortunately, however, they did not 
wish him to fight against Saul, so he was not obliged to meet 



DAVID, THE KING 267 

that difficulty. He had simply to wait till the end of Saul's 
reign. It came very tragically. 

258 (§74A). The battles of Israel were generally fought 
on the broad plain of Esdraelon. Find it on the map south- 
east of Mt. Carmel. In this case, however, Saul had en- 
trenched his army on the high ground to the south of the plain. 
But the terrible enemies who had troubled Israel so long were 
too strong for him. How did the battle result? Who were 
killed ? How did Saul die ? 

259 (§74B). David was still in the Philistine town of Ziklag. 
He had been fighting the Amalekites who had attacked him. 
How was the news of the battle of Gilboa brought to him? 
How would you expect him to feel about Saul's death ? how 
about Jonathan's ? As a matter of fact he forgot all his wrongs, 
and remembered only how he had loved Saul and honored 
him in the early days, and of course he remembered his great 
friendship with Jonathan. Was this "magnanimous" ? 

260 (§746). A dirge means a song for the dead. David 
was a fine poet and he sang this beautiful song of lamentation 
over the king and the prince. Notice the six stanzas. The 
first and the last are a refrain. The second is a hope that the 
Philistines will not know the sad news. The third is a praise 
of Saul and Jonathan. The fourth is a special praise of Saul, 
whose victories had brought spoil to Israel. The fifth is the 
tender lament of the singer for his friend. This would be a 
noble poem to learn by heart. 

261 (§74C). After Saul's death, it was a question whether 
David should return home. Tell what happened. Find 
Hebron on the map in the south. But Saul's general had 
another policy. What did he do ? So there was war between 
the north and south. At last Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was 
murdered by two men who thought they would get reward 
from David. He punished them of course, but the way was 
open for David to be king of the whole land. Tell how David 
was elected king. 



268 HEROESJOF ISRAEL 

262 (§75A). When the thirteen American colonies adopted 
the Constitution and became the United States, it was necessary 
to have a capital that should not be in any one state. So two 
of the states gave a piece of land, which was called a District: 
what is its full name ? What is the name of the city that was 
built to be the capital of our country ? Does it belong to any 
one of the states in particular ? Saul had not had a definite 
capital, except his own town. David had his headquarters 
at the old town of Hebron. But it would not do to have a 
town of Judah as capital of all Israel. There was a strong 
town that had never been conquered and occupied by the 
Israelites, but was still inhabited by the old Jebusites. David 
decided to capture this city and make it his capital. What 
is the name of the city that is still after 3,000 years the chief 
city in Palestine? Find it on the map. The fortress was 
so strong that there was a proverb that it could be defended 
even by the blind and the lame. Tell the story of the 
capture. 

263 (§75B), The first necessity was to prevent the enemies 
all around Israel from interfering with the new kingdom. 
Who was the first enemy subdued ? Locate their territory. 
In several campaigns these old enemies were prevented from 
giving any more trouble. The next enemy was in the south- 
east : who were they ? Locate their territory. The next was 
an old city in the north, then a people in the south, then a 
nation to the east who hired northern allies. Locate all these, 
and note that David subdued all his troublesome neighbors. 
One people was left on the northwest coast, but they were 
a commercial and not a military people. What alliance did 
David make with them ? 

264 (§75C). David was able to conquer all these enemies 
because he had a noble company of knights about him. They 
were brave and loyal to their king. We study one fine passage 
that tells of a heroic deed during one of the Philistine cam- 



DAVID, THE KING 269 

paigns. What do you think of the bravery of the heroes and 
the conduct of the king ? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short story telHng how David received the news 
of the death of Saul and Jonathan, and of the song that he 
composed in their praise. 



XXV. DAVID AND HIS REBEL SON 
THE STORY 

§76. The Treacherous Son and the Loyal Friends 

(II Sam. 14:25, 26; 15:1-15, 18-37) 

A. Absalom's beauty and treachery 

Now in all Israel there was none to be so much 
praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of 
his foot even to the crown of his head there was no 
blemish in him. And when he cut the hair of his 
head, (now it was at every year's end that he cut it: 
because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he 
cut it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two 
hundred shekels, after the king's weight. 

And Absalom prepared him a chariot and horses, 
and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose 
up early, and stood beside the way of the gate : and 
it was so, that when any man had a suit which should 
come tb the king for judgment, then Absalom called 
unto him, and said, "Of what city art thou?" < 

And he said, "Thy servant is of one of the tribes 
of Israel." 

And Absalom said unto him, "See, thy matters 
are good and right; but there is no man deputed of 
the king to hear thee." Absalom said moreover, 
" Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every 

270 



DAVID AND HIS REBEL SON 271 

man which hath any suit or cause might come unto 
me, and I would do him justice!" 

And it was so, that when any man came nigh to do 
him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold 
of him, and kissed him. And on this manner did 
Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judg- 
ment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of 
Israel. 

And it came to pass at the end of four years, that 
Absalom said unto the king, "I pray thee, let me 
go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the 
Lord, in Hebron." 

And the king said unto him, " Go in peace." 

So he arose, and went to Hebron. But Absalom 
sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, 
''As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then 
ye shall say, 'Absalom is king in Hebron.'" 

And with Absalom went two hundred men out of 
Jerusalem, that were invited, and went in their sim- 
plicity; and they knew not any thing. And Absa- 
lom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's coun- 
selor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he 
offered the sacrifices. And the conspiracy was 
strong; for the people increased continually with 
Absalom. 

B. David's flight 

And there came a messenger to David, saying, 
"The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom." 



272 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And David said unto all his servants that were with 
him at Jerusalem, ''Arise, and let us flee; for else 
none of us shall escape from Absalom: make speed 
to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring 
down evil upon us, and smite the city wdth the edge 
of the sword." 

And the king's servants said unto the king, "Be- 
hold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my 
lord the king shall choose." 

And the king went forth, and all his household 
after him. And all his servants passed on beside 
him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, 
and all th-e Gittites, six hundred men which came 
after him from Gath, passed on before the king. 

Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, ''Where- 
fore goest thou also with us ? return, and abide with 
the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile; 
return to thine own place. Whereas thou camest 
but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and 
down with us, seeing I go whither I may ? return 
thou, and take back thy brethren; mercy and truth 
be with thee." 

And Ittai answered the king, and said, "As the 
Lord liveth, surely in what place my lord the king 
shall be, whether for death or for life, even there also 
will thy servant be." 

And David said to Ittai, " Go and pass over." 

And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, 
and all the httle ones that were with him. And all 



DAVID AND HIS REBEL SON 273 

the country wept with a loud voice, and all the 
people passed over: the king also himself passed 
over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed 
over, toward the way of the wilderness. 

And, lo, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with 
him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and 
they set down the ark of God, until all the people 
had done passing out of the city. 

And the king said unto Zadok, ''Carry back the 
ark of God into the city : if I shall find favor in the 
eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and show 
me both it, and his habitation: but if he say thus, 'I 
have no delight in thee;' behold, here am I, let him 
do to me as seemeth good unto him." 

c. David's plan 

The king said unto Zadok the priest, ^' Return into 
the city in peace. See, I will tarry at the fords of the 
wilderness, until there come word from you." Zadok 
therefore carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem : 
and they abode there. 

And David went up by the ascent of the mount 
of OHves, and wept as he went up; and he had 
his head covered, and went barefoot: and all 
the people that were with him covered every man 
his head, and they went up, weeping as they 
went up. 

And one told David, saying, ''Ahithophel is among 
the conspirators with Absalom." 



274 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And David said, '' O Lord, I pray thee, turn the 
counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." 

And it came to pass, that when David was 
come to the top of the ascent, behold, Hushai 
came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth 
upon his head: and David said unto him, "If 
thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a 
burden unto me : but if thou return to the city, and 
say unto Absalom, 'I will be thy servant, O king; as 
I have been thy father's servant in time past, so will 
I now be thy servant ' : then shalt thou defeat for me 
the counsel of Ahithophel. And hast thou not there 
with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests ? therefore 
it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear 
out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok 
and Abiathar the priests. Behold, they have there 
with them their two sons; and by them ye shall send 
unto me everything that ye shall hear." 

So Hushai, David's friend, came into the city. 

§77. The Folly and Fate of Absalom (II Sam. 16:15, 

16, 20; 17:1-16, 22, 24; 18:1-17, 21, 

24, 25, 31-33) 

A. Absalom's council of war 

And Absalom, and all the people, the men of 
Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 
And it came to pass, when Hushai, David's friend, 
was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Ab- 
salom, " God save the king, God save the king." 



DAVID AND HIS REBEL SON 275 

Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, ''Give your 
counsel what we shall do." 

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, " Let me now 
choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and 
pursue after David this night: and I will come upon 
him while he is weary and weak-handed, and will 
make him afraid: and all the people that are with 
him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: and 
I will bring back all the people unto thee : so all the 
people shall be in peace." 

And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the 
elders of Israel. 

Then said Absalom unto Hushai, "Ahithophel 
hath spoken after this manner : shall we do after his 
saying ? if not, speak thou." 

"And Hushai said unto Absalom, "The counsel 
that Ahithophel hath given this time is not good. 
Thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be 
mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, 
as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and 
thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge 
with the people. Behold, he is hid now in some 
pit, or in some other place: and it will come to 
pass, when some of them be fallen at the first, 
that whosoever heareth it will say, 'There is a 
slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.' 
And even he that is valiant, whose heart is as the 
heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel 
knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they 



276 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

which be with him are vaHant men. But I counsel 
that all Israel be gathered together unto thee, from 
Dan even to Beer-sheba, as the sand that is by the 
sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine 
own person. So shall we come upon him in some 
place where he shall be found, and we will light upon 
him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him 
and of all the men that are with him we will not 
leave so much as one. Moreover, if he be gotten 
into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that 
city, and we will draw it into the river, until there 
be not one small stone found there." 

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, "The 
counsel of Hushai is better than the counsel of 
Ahithophel." 

Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the 
priests, "Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel 
Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus 
have I counselled. Now therefore send quickly, and 
tell David, saying, ' Lodge not this night at the fords 
of the wilderness, but in any wise pass over; lest 
the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are 
with him.'" 

Then David arose, and all the people that were 
with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the 
morning light there lacked not one of them that was 
not, gone over Jordan. And when Ahithophel saw 
that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, 
and arose, and gat him home, unto his city, and set 



DAVID AND HIS REBEL SON 277 

his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, 
and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. 

B. THE BATTLE AND THE DEATH OF ABSALOM 

And David numbered the people that were with 
him, and set captains of thousands and captains of 
hundreds over them. And David sent forth the 
people, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a 
third part under the hand of Abishai, Joab's brother, 
and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. 
And the king said unto the people, "I will surely go 
forth with you myself also." 

But the people said, "Thou shalt not go forth: 
for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither 
if half of us die, will they care for us: but thou art 
worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better 
that thou be ready to succor us out of the city." 

And the king said unto them, "What seemeth 
you best I will do." 

And the king stood by the gate side, and all the 
people went out by hundreds and by thousands. 
And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and 
Ittai, saying, "Deal gently for my sake with the 
young man, even with Absalom." 

And all the people heard when the king gave all 
the captains charge concerning Absalom. So the 
people went out into the field against Israel : and the 
battle was in the forest of Ephraim. And the people 
of Israel were smitten there before the servants of 



278 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

David, and there was a great slaughter there that 
day of twenty thousand men. For the battle was 
there spread over the face of all the country: and 
the forest devoured more people that day than the 
sword devoured. And Absalom chanced to meet 
the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon 
his mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs 
of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, 
and he was taken up between the heaven and the 
earth; and the mule that was under him went on. 

And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, 
''Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak." 

And Joab said unto the man that told him, ''And, 
behold, thou sawest it, and why didst thou not smite 
him there to the ground? and I would have given 
thee ten pieces of silver, and a girdle." 

And the man said unto Joab, "Though I should 
receive a thousand pieces of silver in mine hand, yet 
would I not put forth mine hand against the king's 
son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and 
Abishai and Ittai, saying, 'Beware that none touch 
the young man Absalom.' Otherwise if I had 
dealt falsely against his life, (and there is no matter 
hid from the king,) then thou thyself wouldest have 
set thyself against me." 

Then said Joab, " I may not tarry thus with thee." 
And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them 
through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive 
in the midst of the oak. And ten young men that 



DAVID AND HIS REBEL SON 279 

bare Joab's armor compassed about and smote 
Absalom, and slew him. And Joab blew the trum- 
pet, and the people returned from pursuing after 
Israel: for Joab held back the people. And they 
took Absalom, and cast him into the great pit in 
the forest, and raised over him a very great heap 
of stones: and all Israel fled every one to his tent. 

c. David's grief 

Then said Joab to the Cushite, " Go tell the king 
what thou hast seen." And the Cushite bowed 
himself unto Joab, and ran. 

Now David sat between the two gates: and the 
watchman went up to the roof of the gate unto the 
wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, 
a man running alone. And the watchman cried, and 
told the king. And the king said, "If he be alone, 
there is tidings in his mouth." And, behold, the 
Cushite came; and the Cushite said, "Tidings for 
my lord the king: for the Lord hath avenged thee 
this day of all them that rose up against thee." 

And the king said unto the Cushite, "Is it well 
with the young man Absalom?" 

And the Cushite answered, "The enemies of my 
lord the king, and all that rise up against thee to do 
thee hurt, be as that young man is." 

And the king was much moved, and went up to 
the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he 
went, thus he said, "O my son Absalom, my son. 



28o HEROES OF ISRAEL 

my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, 
O Absalom, my son, my son!" 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 
265. David did not bring up his sons well and there were 
very bad family quarrels. At last Absalom murdered one of 
his brothers and was obliged to flee. The king allowed him 
to return, but the wicked young man planned to rebel against 
his father. 

266 (§76A). What are we told of this handsome young 
man? Beauty of face and figure is very desirable, but it 
frequently makes a person vain and selfish. Probably Absa- 
lom had been admired and spoiled, and had come to think 
only of himself. 

267 (§76A). How did the young prince make a fine appear- 
ance? We see that people were accustomed to come to the 
king to have their matters of law decided. He was the supreme 
court. Of course it was not always possible to hear all the 
cases at once. How did Absalom persuade the people that he 
would make a better king than his father? Note how the 
prince pretended to be democratic. What do you think of 
all this conduct ? 

268 (§76A). This deceitful conduct continued for four 
years until Absalom thought he was ready to strike the blow. 
He decided to make Hebron the headquarters of his rebellion. 
Locate Hebron. It was where David had his capital when he 
was king of Judah. Can you think of any reason why that 
city might have been dissatisfied? What excuse did Absa- 
lom give for a journey to Hebron ? How did he plan to gather 
an army ? How many innocent men went with him ? What 
wise man did Absalom get on his side ? 

269 (§76B). What did David decide upon as soon as he 
heard the news? Notice that he had a body guard of 600 
Philistine soldiers. The old enemies were good warriors and 



DAVID AND HIS REBEL SON 281 

he had taken them into his service. David had a v^onderful 
vvray of gaining friends. Tell the story of Ittai. How did the 
people feel about the Jflight of the old king ? 

270 (§76B). It was customary for the ark to be taken when 
the army went to battle (§61 A). So the priest thought he ought 
to carry it with David. But the king sent it back again, say- 
ing that he would trust in the Lord. Moreover he was glad 
to have a friend in the city. How did he arrange with Zadok 
to have news sent to him ? Describe the sad journey up the 
Mount of Olives. What signs of grief did they show ? 

271 (§76C). Whom did David hear had joined Absalom ? 
How did he plan that bad advice might be given to Absalom ? 
How did he arrange for news to be brought to him ? Let us 
get the movement of the story before us. Absalom is march- 
ing from Hebron with his counselor and his army; David is 
in flight with his 600 guards and some faithful friends, but he 
has left some friends in the city to send him news; presently 
Absalom marches into the city, 

272 (§77A). The first act of the new king is to decide what 
to do. Ahithophel advised immediate pursuit of David. Tell 
what he said. Absalom decided to ask the wise old Hushai 
his advice also. Whose side was Hushai really on? What 
advice did he give ? How did he frighten Absalom and how 
did he flatter him? Why was this advice good for David? 
What was decided ? 

273 (§77A). How was David informed of the council? 
He decided to cross the river at once, so as to have the swift 
stream between himself and his pursuers. Locate the Jordan. 
Did he succeed in getting his whole company over? What 
became of Ahithophel? Meantime Absalom was gathering 
a considerable army. After a lapse of a little time he followed 
his father, who had been gathering all the people that were 
loyal to him. The matter could only be settled by battle. 

274 (§77B). How many divisions were there of David's 



282 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

army? Why did he not go himself to battle? Notice how 
he reviewed the troops as they went forth. What special 
command did he give to the captains ? Why did he do this ? 
Give an account of the battle. 

275 (§77B). In the battle, which was going against him, 
Absalom met David's guards. What accident happened to 
him as he was trying to escape? What dispute took place 
between the soldier and Joab ? What did Joab do ? There 
was no need for further pursuit, so Joab called back his troops. 
What was done with Absalom ? We see that with the death 
of the leader the rebels fled to their homes. Joab called a 
Cushite, that is a negro slave: what command did he give 
him? 

276 (§77C). Where was David during the battle? What 
conversation took place between the king and the Cushite ? 
How was David affected? What do you think of David in 
all this matter ? 

A REVIEW OF DAVID 

David was one of those men who loved others and could 
make them love him. It will be interesting to make a list of 
all those of whom we have studied who felt the influence of 
his winning disposition. Read I Sam. 16:12, 21; 18:1, 
20; 24:16; 25:42; II Sam. 1:26; 2:4; 5:3; 15:21, 32; 
18:3; 23: 15, 16. Write a little paper telling of all the people 
who loved David. 



REVIEW 

XXVI. Ten Heroes of Israel 



XXVL TEN HEROES OF ISRAEL 

After we had studied the heroes of Israel's wan- 
derings we looked back over the stories and tried 
to remember the great characters we had learned 
to know. Now we have added ten more heroes to 
our acquaintance since Moses. Let us look back 
over the stories of these ten, and see if we can remem- 
ber about them. 

277. Moses brought the people near to Canaan 
and then sent twelve spies into the land to find out 
about it. Ten of the men were afraid, and said that 
the Hebrews could not conquer it, but two men were 
brave, and told their countrymen to trust in the 
Lord and go up. Tell the story of these two and 
what happened to them later. (§44; Josh. 1:1, 2; 

278. After the Hebrews had settled in Canaan 
they were greatly troubled by enemies. Many heroes 
arose who delivered them. One, who was called by 
the Lord, gathered a large army, then sent home 
all who were not fit and reduced his army to 300 
men. He then devised a strange plan to frighten 
the enemy. Tell the story. (§46; Judg. 7: 19, 20.) 

I Very short Scripture references are given — just enough to 
recall the story. Read these and glance over the section in the 
textbook to refresh the memory. 

285 



286 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

What reward did this hero refuse? (§47; Judg. 
8:22, 23.) 

279. One of the heroes of Israel was a man of 
enormous strength. What were some of the stories 
told about him ? How did he foolishly sin and lose 
his strength? (§51; Judg. 15:14, 15; 16:18, 19.) 
. 280. Who was the heroine of whom we studied? 
Tell what you remember of her. (§54.) 

281. Do you remember the story of the good old 
priest who had two wicked sons, and of the little 
boy who came to live with him ? Tell the story of 
how the boy came, and what happened one special 
night, and how the old priest died. (§§60, 61; 
I Sam. 3:10, 11; 4:18.) 

282. The little boy grew up to be a great prophet. 
He saw that the people could never be saved from 
their enemies without a strong king. One day a 
young man who was seeking some straying anima,ls 
came to see him. Tell the story of what happened. 
What great blow for liberty did this young man 
strike and so become king? (§64; I Sam. 11:6-11.) 

283. The new king had a brave son. This young 
man determined to help free his people from their 
oppressors. Tell the story of his bold attack upon 
the Philistines. (§65; I Sam. 14:13.) How did 
Saul follow up the attack ? 

284. The young man who was to be the great 
king of Israel performed a wonderful feat of arms. 
One of the Philistine heroes challenged the Hebrews 



TEN HEROES OF ISRAEL 287 

to send a single man against him. Who accepted 
the challenge and how did the combat turn out ? 
(§68; I Sam. 17:48,49-) 

285. Who were the two hero friends ? Tell the 
story of their parting. (§71; I Sam. 20:35-39.) 

286. Why was David an outlaw ? Tell the story 
of his sparing the king's life. (§73; I Sam. 26:9- 

12.) 

287. David had a company of heroes about him. 
Tell the story of the knights who brought him the 
drink of water. (§75C; II Sam. 23: 14-17.) 

288. David had a bitter trial in his wicked son 
who rebelled against him. But many loyal friends 
stood by him: who were these, and how did they 
show their loyalty ? (§76; II Sam. 15: 19-34.) 

289. Write down the names of the ten heroes in a 
column. How many were great patriots ? How 
many trusted God ? How many showed fine leader- 
ship ? How many showed weakness of character ? 
Who showed a great love ? How many were un- 
selfish ? Which of them do you think the greatest ? 



SOLOMON 

XXVII. Solomon, the Wise King 



XXVII. SOLOMON, THE WISE KING 

THE STORY 

§78. Solomon's Wise Choice (I Kings 2:12; 3:3-15) 

Solomon sat upon the throne of David his father; 
and his kingdom was estabHshed greatly. And Sol- 
omon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of 
David his father. 

And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; 
for that was the great high place : a thousand burnt 
offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. In 
Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream 
by night: and God said, "Ask what I shall give 
thee." 

And Solomon said, ''Thou hast showed unto thy 
servant David my father great kindness, according as 
he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, 
and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast 
kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given 
him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And 
now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant 
king instead of David my father: and I am but a little 
child; I know not how to go out or come in. And 
thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou 
hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be num- 
bered nor counted for multitude. Give thy servant 
therefore an understanding heart to judge thy peo- 

291 



292 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

pie, that I may discern between good and evil; for 
who is able to judge this thy great people ?" 

And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon 
had asked this thing. And God said unto him, 
"Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not 
asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches 
for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, 
but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern 
justice; behold, I have done according to thy word: 
lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding 
heart; so that there hath been none like thee before 
thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. 
And I have also given thee that which thou hast not 
asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not 
be any among the kings like unto thee, all thy days. 
And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes 
and my commandments, as thy father David did 
walk, then I will lengthen thy days." 

And Solomon awoke, and, behold, it was a dream : 
and he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark 
of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt 
offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a 
feast to all his servants. 

§79. Solomon and the Temple (I Kings 5:1-12; 6:1,2, 

7, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22, 38; 8:1, 6, 10, II, 22, 

23, 26, 27, 30, 54-58, 62) 

A. PREPARATIONS FOR THE TEMPLE 

And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto 
Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed 



SOLOMON, THE WISE KING 293 

him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was 
ever a lover of David. 

And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, "Thou 
knowest how that David my father could not 
build a house for the name of the Lord his God 
for the wars which were about him on every side, 
until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 
But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on 
every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil 
occurrence. And, behold, I purpose to build a 
house for the name of the Lord my God, as the 
Lord spake unto David my father, saying, 'Thy 
son, w^hom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, 
he shall build a house for my name.' Now there- 
fore command thou that they cut me cedar trees 
out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy 
servants : and I will give thee hire for thy servants 
according to all that thou shalt say : for thou know- 
est that there is riot among us any that knoweth how 
to cut timber like unto the Sidonians." 

And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words 
of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, 
" Blessed be the Lord this day, which hath given unto 
David a wise son over this great people." 

And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, "I have 
heard the message which thou hast sent unto me : 
I will do all thy desire concerning timbsr of cedar, 
and concerning timber of fir. My servants shall 
bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I 



294 



HEROES OF ISRAEL 



will make them into rafts to go by sea unto the place 
that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to 
be broken up there, and thou shalt receive them: 




CEDARS OF LEBANON 

and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food 
for my household." 

So Hiram gave Solomon timber of cedar and tim- 
ber of fir according to all his desire. And Solomon 
gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for 



SOLOMON, THE WISE KING 295 

food to his household, and twenty measures of pure 
oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year. 

And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he 
promised him; and there was -peace between Hiram 
and Solomon; and they two made a league together. 

B. THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE 

And it came to pass in the fourth year of Solomon's 
reign, in the second month, that he began to build 
the house of the Lord. And the house was sixty 
cubits in length, twenty cubits in breadth, and thirty 
cubits in height. And the house was built of stone 
made ready at the quarry; and there was neither 
hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the 
house, while it was in building. 

And he built the walls of the house within with 
boards of cedar: and he covered the floor of the 
house with boards of fir. 

And he built an oracle, even the most holy place, 
in the midst of the house within, to set there the ark 
of the covenant of the Lord. Solomon overlaid the 
house within with pure gold: and he drew chains 
of gold across before the oracle ; and he overlaid it 
with gold. Also the whole altar that belonged to 
the oracle he overlaid with gold. 

And in the eleventh year, in the eighth month, 
was the house finished throughout all the parts 
thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So 
was he seven years in building it. 



296 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

C. THE DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE 

Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and 
all the heads of the tribes, the princes of the children 
of Israel, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the 
Lord. And the priests brought in the ark of the 
covenant of the Lord unto its place, into the oracle 
of the house, to the most holy place. And it came 
to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy 
place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord so 
that the priests could not stand to minister by reason 
of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the 
house. 

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord 
in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and 
spread forth his hands toward heaven; and he said, 
''O Lord, the God of Israel, who keepest covenant 
and lovingkindness with thy servants, that walk 
before thee with all their heart, let thy word, I pray 
thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy 
servant David my father. But will God in very 
deed dwell on the earth ? behold heaven and the 
heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much 
less this house that I have builded! Yet hearken 
thou to the suppHcation of thy servant, and of thy 
people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place : 
yea, hear thou in heaven thy dwelHng place; and 
when thou hearest, forgive." 



SOLOMON, THE WISE KING 297 

D. THE BENEDICTION 

And it was so, that when Solomon had made an 
end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto 
the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, 
from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread 
forth toward heaven. And he stood, and blessed all 
the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying, 
"Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his 
people Israel, according to all that he promised: 
there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, 
which he promised by Moses his servant. The Lord 
our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let 
him not leave us, nor forsake us: that he may 
incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, 
and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, 
and his ordinances, which he commanded our 
fathers." 

And the king, and all Israel with him, offered 
sacrifice before the Lord. 

§80. The Greatness of Solomon (I Kings 
10:1-10, 13, 23-25) 

A. THE VISIT OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA 

And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame 
of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she 
came to prove him with hard questions. 

And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, 
with camels that bare spices, and very much gold^ 
and precious stones: and when she was come to 



298 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Solomon, she communed with him of all that was 
in her heart. And Solomon told her all her ques- 
tions: there was not anything hid from the king, 
which he told her not. 

And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solo- 
mon's wisdom, and the house that he had built, 
and the food of his table, and the sitting of his 
servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and 
their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent 
by which he went up unto the house of the Lord; 
there was no more spirit in her. And she said to the 
king, "It was a true report that I heard in mine 
own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. Howbeit 
I believed not the words, until I came, and mine 
eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told 
me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame 
which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are 
these thy servants, which stand continually before 
thee, and that hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the 
Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on 
the throne of Israel : because the Lord loved Israel for 
ever, therefore he made thee king, to do justice and 
righteousness." 

And she gave the king a hundred and twenty 
talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and 
precious stones : there came no more such abundance 
of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to 
king Solomon. 

And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Sheba 



SOLOMON, THE WISE KING 299 

all her desire, whatsoever she asked, besides that 
which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So 
she turned and went to her own country, she and 
her servants. 

B. HIS WEALTH AND WISDOM 

So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the 
earth in riches and wisdom. And all the earth 
sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, 
which God had put in his heart. And they brought 
every man his tribute, vessels of silver, and ves- 
sels of gold, and raiment, and armor and spices, 
horses, and mules, a rate year by year. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

290. We are to study the story of the man whom the 
Hebrews loved to think of as one of their heroes, because of 
his great wisdom and wealth. He was the most splendid of 
all their kings. To be sure he laid very heavy taxes upon the 
people to raise money for his magnificence, but the later ages 
forgot all that in admiration of his glory. 

291 (§78). When David died he left a throne to his son 
that was secure from all enemies. The young king had a great 
opportunity to be a noble ruler. Read carefully the story of 
the young man's dream. What offer did God make to him 
in the dream ? In what spirit did Solomon reply ? When he 
says he is a little child he means that he is young and inexperi- 
enced. Remember that one of the important duties of an 
eastern king was to hear cases, as a kind of chief justice. What 
quality did Solomon ask for ? Why was the Lord pleased ? 
What did he give Solomon ? 

292 (§78). It is often true that the young man who desires 
above all things to fit himself to do his duty, without thinking 



300 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

of honor or wealth, actually obtains those also. Washington 
never sought greatness, but what do we think of him ? Tenny- 
son wrote of the great Duke of Wellington, 

Not once or twice in our fair island story 
The path of duty was the way to glory. 

Learn these lines. 

293 (§79A). One of David's great hopes was that he could 
build a noble house of worship. He had been unable to do so, 
partly because of his many wars. Solomon therefore decided 
to carry out his father's plan. But the Hebrews were not 
skilful as artists or mechanics. They were at that time mostly 
farmers and shepherds. Solomon therefore decided to secure 
the help of the people of Phoenicia, called the Sidonians, who 
lived on his northwest border. Locate the country. What 
are its two chief cities ? Who was the king who sent to con- 
gratulate Solomon on his succession to the throne ? 

294 (§79A). Read carefully Solomon's message to Hiram. 
What proof does he give that he is able to build the temple ? 
What trees does he ask for ? These were the noble trees that 
grew in the mountains of Lebanon. Locate this region to the 
north of Israel. What reason does Solomon give why the 
Sidonians (that is, the people of Sidon) should cut the trees ? 

295 (§79A). Read Hiram's reply. Notice the plan of get- 
ting the timber to Jerusalem. The lumbermen from Tyre 
and Sidon would cut it in the mountains. It would be hauled 
by the nearest route to the sea. Note on the map where that 
would be. Then how was it to be taken by sea to the port 
nearest to Jerusalem ? This port was probably Joppa. Lo- 
cate it. What then was to be done with it before it was 
hauled up the steep roads to Jerusalem ? It was a hard job 
in those days when they had no railways. How different 
from the way our lumber trains carry the great timbers! 
What was Solomon to give Hiram in exchange ? , This is a 
very old story of trade between nations. 



SOLOMON, THE* WISE KING 301 

296 (§796). When did Solomon begin to build? The 
building itself was not very large. A cubit is rather less than 
two feet, so the structure was about 100 feet long, 35 feet wide, 
and 50 feet high. Do you know any building about that 
size? Inside, one-third of the space was partitioned off for 
the ark. How was this room ornamented ? How long did 
it take to finish the work ? 

297 (§79C). What solemn procession was held ? How was 
the glory of the Lord shown ? Read carefully the prayer of 
Solomon and see that it is reverent and trustful. What is his 
great hope that God will do for the people when they pray? 
We are quite sure that God will do that. Read I John 1:9. 

298 (§79D). Who pronounced the benediction upon the 
people ? What does he feel that God has done for them ? 
What does he hope that God will do for them ? 

299 (§8oA). This is one of the stories showing the fame of 
Solomon. Sheba was in Arabia. Note how much informa- 
tion the story gives us of the products of those times. Tell the 
story of the visit. 

300 (§8oB). What does the story tell us finally of Solomon's 
wealth and wisdom ? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short story of Solomon's choice, telling why he 
chose wisdom and what came of his choice. 



TWO PROPHETS 

XXVIII. Elijah, the Champion of Pure Religion 
XXIX. Elijah, the Champion of Justice 
XXX. Elisha, the Healer and Counselor 



XXVIII. ELIJAH, THE CHAMPION OF 
PURE RELIGION 

THE STORY 

§8i. Elijah and the Drought (I Kings 16:30 — 17:24) 

A. THE STARTLING PROPHECY 

Ahab the son of Omri did that which was evil in 
the sight of the Lord above all that were before him. 
And it came to pass, that he took to wife Jezebel the 
daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went 
and served Baal, and worshipped him. And he 
reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, 
which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab did yet 
more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to 
anger than all the kings of Israel that were before 
him. 

And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the sojourners 
of Gilead, said unto Ahab, "As the Lord, the God 
of Israel, liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not 
be dew nor rain these years, but according to my 
word." 

B. ELIJAH AT THE BROOK 

And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, 
" Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide 
thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 
And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; 

305 



3o6 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee 
there." 

So he went and did according unto the word of 
the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook 
Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens 
brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and 
bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the 
brook. And it came to pass after a while, that the 
brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 

C. THE widow's cake 

And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, 
''Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to 
Sidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded 
a widow woman there to sustain thee." 

So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he 
came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow woman 
was there gathering sticks : and he called to her, and 
said, "Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a 
vessel, that I may drink." 

And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, 
and said, "Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread 
in thine hand." 

And she said, "As the Lord thy God liveth, I 
have not a cake, but an handful of meal in the barrel, 
and a httle oil in the cruse: and, behold, I am 
gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it 
for me and my sOn, that we may eat it, and die." 

And Elijah said unto her, "Fear not; go and do 



ELIJAH, CHAMPION OF PURE RELIGION 30? 

as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake 
first, and bring it forth unto me, and afterward make 
for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the Lord, 
the God of Israel, 'The barrel of meal shall not 
waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day 
that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.'" 

And she went and did according to the saying of 
Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many 
days. The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the 
cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, 
which he spake by Elijah. 

D. THE widow's SON 

And it came to pass after these things, that the son 
of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; 
and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath 
left in him. And she said unto Elijah, ''O thou 
man of God ? thou art come unto me to bring my 
sin to my remembrance, and to slay my son ! " 
And he said unto her, '' Give me thy son." 
And he took him out of her bosom, and carried 
him up into the chamber, where he abode, and laid 
him upon his own bed. And he cried unto the Lord, 
and said, " O Lord my God, hast thou also brought 
evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying 
her son ?" xAnd he stretched himself upon the child 
three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, " O 
Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come 
into him again." 



3o8 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And the I^ord hearkened unto the voice of Elijah; 
and the soul of the child came into him again, and 
he revived. And Elijah took the child, and brought 
him down out of the chamber into the house, and 
delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, 
"See, thy son liveth." 

And the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that 
thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord 
in thy mouth is truth." 

§82. Elijah's Victory (I Kings 18:1-46) 
A. THE SEARCH FOR PASTURAGE 

And it came to pass after many days, that the 
word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, 
saying, "Go, show thyself unto Ahab; and I will 
send rain upon the earth." And Elijah went to show 
himself unto Ahab. 

And the famine was sore in Samaria. And Ahab 
called Obadiah, who was over the household. 
(Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly : for it was so, 
when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, that 
Obadiah took a hundred prophets, and hid them 
by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and 
water.) And Ahab said unto Obadiah, "Go 
through the land, unto all the fountains of water, 
and unto all the brooks : peradventure we may find 
grass and save the horses and mules alive, that we 
lose not all the beasts." 

So they divided the land between them to. pass 



ELIJAH, CHAMPION OF PURE RELIGION 309 

throughout it: Ahab went one way by himself, and 
Obadiah went another way by himself. 

B. Elijah's challenge to the king 

And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah 
met him : and he knew him, and fell on his face, and 
said, '' Is it thou, my lord Elijah ?" 

And he answered him, "It is I: go, tell thy lord, 
'Behold, Elijah is here.'" 

And he said, '^ Wherein have I sinned, that thou 
wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, 
to slay me? As the Lord thy God liveth, there is 
no nation or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent 
to seek thee : and when they said, ' He is not here,' 
he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they 
found thee not. And now thou sayest, 'Go, tell 
thy lord, Behold, Eljiah is here.' And it shall come 
to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that the 
spirit of the Lord shall carry thee whither I know 
not; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he can- 
not find thee, he shall slay me : but I thy servant fear 
the Lord from my youth. Was it not told my lord 
what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the Lord, 
how I hid a hundred men of the Lord's prophets 
by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread 
and water ? And now thou sayest, ' Go, tell thy 
lord. Behold Elijah is here': and he shall slay 
me." 

And Elijah said, "As the Lord of hosts liveth, 



3IO HEROES OF ISRAEL 

before whom I stand, I will surely show myself unto 
him to-day." 

So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him : and 
Ahab went to meet Elijah. And it came to pass, 
when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, 
''Is it thou, thou troubler of Israel?" 

And he answered, "I have not troubled Israel; 
but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have 
forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou 
hast followed the Baahm. Now therefore send, and 
gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the 
prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, which eat 
at Jezebel's table." 

C. THE TEST AT CARMEL 

So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and 
gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. 

And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said, 
"How long halt ye between two opinions? if the 
Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow 
him." And the people answered him not a word. 

Then said Elijah unto the people, "I, even I only, 
am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal's prophets 
are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore 
give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bul- 
lock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it 
on the wood, and put no fire under : and I will dress 
the other bullock, and lay it on the wood, and put 
no fire under. And call ye on the name of your 



ELIJAH, CHAMPION OF PURE RELIGION S" 

god, and I will call on the name of the Lord: and 
the God that answereth by fire, let him be God." 

And all the people answered and said, ''It is well 
spoken." 

And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, 
"Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress 
it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of 
your god, but put no fire under." 

And they took the bullock which was given them, 
and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal 
from morning even until noon, saying, ''O Baal, 
hear us." But there was no voice, nor any that 
answered. And they leaped about the altar which 
was made. 

And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked 
them, and said, "Cry aloud: for he is a god; either 
he is musing, or he is gone aside, or he is on a journey, 
or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked." 

And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after 
their manner with knives and lances, till the blood 
gushed out upon them. And it was so, when midday 
was past, that they prophesied until the time of the 
offering of the evening sacrifice; but there was 
neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that re- 
garded. 

And Elijah said unto all the people, " Comx near 
unto me." And all the people came near unto 
him. 

And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was 



3 1 2 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

thrown down. And Elijah took twelve stones, ac- 
cording to the number of the tribes of the sons of 
Jacob. And with the stones he built an altar in the 
name of the Lord; and he made a trench about the 
altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. 
And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in 
pieces, and laid it on the wood. And he said, " Fill 
four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt 
offering, and on the wood." And he said, "Do 
it the second time." And they did it the second 
time. And he said, "Do it the third time." And 
they did it the third time. And the water ran round 
about the altar; and he filled the trench also with 
water. 

And it came to pass at the time of the offering of 
the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came 
near, and said, " O Lord, the God of Abraham, of 
Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that 
thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, 
and that I have done all these things at thy word. 
Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may 
know that thou. Lord, art God, and that thou hast 
turned their heart back again." 

Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the 
burnt offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the 
dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 
And when all the people saw it, they fell on their 
faces: and they said, "The Lord, he is God; the 
Lord, he is God." 



ELIJAH, CHAMPION OF PURE RELIGION 313 

And Elijah said unto them, "Take the prophets 
of Baal; let not one of them escape." 

And they took them: and Elijah brought them 
down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. 

D. THE COMING OF THE RAIN 

And Elijah said unto Ahab, " Get thee up, 
eat and drink; for there is the sound of abun- 
dance of rain." So Ahab went up to eat and to 
drink. 

And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he 
bowed himself down upon the earth, and put his face 
between his knees. xAnd he said to his servant, 
"Go up now, look toward the sea." 

And he went up, and looked, and said, "There is 
nothing." 

And he said, " Go again," seven times. And it 
came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, " Be- 
hold, there ariseth a cloud out of the sea, as small 
as a man's hand." 

And he said, "Go up, say unto Ahab, ^Make 
ready thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain 
stop thee not.'" 

And it came to pass in a little while, that the 
heaven grew black with clouds and wind, and there 
was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to 
Jezreel. And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah; 
and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to 
the entrance of Jezreel. 



314 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 
301. In the beautiful city of Florence in Italy there was once 
a great prince named Lorenzo, whose reign was very splendid, 
but who oppressed the people and lived an evil life. The 
people followed his bad example and there was great immor- 
ality in Florence. But a fearless preacher came to the city 
who told the prince and the people plainly of their sins. Great 
crowds went to hear him and he became the most influential 
man in Florence. By his stirring words he compelled the 
government to give back the liberties to the people, and he 
led the citizens to promise to serve God with good lives. His 
enemies finally proved too strong for him and killed him, but 
this noble Italian preacher, Savonarola, left an influence that 
has lasted to this day. 

Among the heroes of Israel were some bold preachers, 
called prophets, who did not hesitate to denounce the sins 
of kings and people. One of the greatest of these was 
Elijah. 

302 (§81 A). Ahab was a very wicked king who married a 
princess from Sidon. Locate the city on the coast of Palestine. 
The Sidonians worshipped a god called Baal, and so the king 
built a temple for this idol in his capital. He thought he 
could go on serving the Lord and serve Baal also. Suddenly 
a man appeared in the court. He was roughly clad, not a 
man of the city. What startling message did he bring ? 

303 (§8iB). While the drought came upon Israel the 
prophet was taken care of. Tell the story of Elijah at the 
brook. What happened to the brook at last ? 

304 (§8iC). Elijah was east of the Jordan. He was sent 
to Zarephath near Sidon. Locate it. Tell the story of his 
conversation with the widow. The " cruse " was a flask or 
small jug for holding liquids. 

305 (§8iD). Many wonderful stories were told of this great 
prophet. Tell the story of the widow's son. Think of the 



ELIJAH, CHAMPION OF PURE RELIGION 315 

prophet waiting all this time till he should be sent back to 
the king. 

306 (§82A). At last Elijah's message came. How long had 
he waited ? Meantime what was the condition in Israel, and 
Samaria the capital? Who was Obadiah? What had he 
done ? What did the king and Obadiah undertake ? 

307 (§826). Tell the story of Elijah's conversation with the 
timid Obadiah. This man was good, but he was having a 
hard time as the servant of a bad king. What bold answer 
did Elijah make to the king? What is a challenge? What 
challenge did Elijah make ? 

308 (§82C). This is the important part of the story. Find 
Mt. Carmel on the coast. Imagine the scene: the king, the 
prophets of Baal, and Elijah, as the actors, and the great 
crowd as an audience. What was Elijah's first question to 
the people? We have a saying that no one can be on the 
fence : everyone must be on one side or the other. Whenever 
there is a right and wrong, people must take sides. 

309 (§82C). What test did Elijah propose ? Who prepared 
the bullock for the sacrifice first ? How did they try to gain 
the attention of their god? Could Baal hear them? How 
did Elijah mock them ? What was the result of all the excite- 
ment? 

310 (§82C). Notice how serious Elijah was. How did he 
prepare for the sacrifice ? How did he arrange so that nobody 
could say there was a trick ? What prayer did Elijah ofTer ? 
Learn this noble prayer so that you can recite it. What hap- 
pened ? How did it affect the people ? 

311 (§82C). Those were days when men were very stern. 
What awful punishment did Elijah inflict on the false prophets ? 

312 (§82D). Elijah was sure that the drought would now 
be over. What did he say to Ahab ? They had eaten nothing 
all day, so everyone went eagerly to the food. But Elijah 
went back to the mountain. Who went with him? What 



3i6 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

happened? What message did the prophet send to Ahab? 
Notice how quickly the storm came up. Elijah was a man of 
the desert, hardy and strong; he was also under great excite- 
ment from the events of the day. It was sixteen miles from 
Carmel to Jezreel. Locate these places on the map. The 
king drove his horses hard in the storm. What did Elijah 
do? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Imagine yourself present at the scene on Mt. Carmel and 
that your parents were unable to go. How would you tell 
them the story of all that happened that day? Write it out 
just as you would have told it, if you were a young Israelite 
on that great occasion. 



XXIX. ELIJAH, THE CHAMPION OF 
JUSTICE 

THE STORY 

§83. Elijah's Discouragement (I Kings 19:1-21) 

A. THE BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT 

And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, 
and how he had slain all the prophets with the 
sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, 
saying, '' So let the gods do to me, and more also, if 
I make not thy life as the life of one of them by 
to-morrow about this time." 

And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his 
life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to 
Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself 
went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came 
and sat down under a juniper tree: and he re- 
quested for himself that he might die; and said, "It 
is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for 
I am not better than my fathers." 

And he lay down and slept under a juniper tree; 
and, behold, an angel touched him, and said unto 
him, "Arise and eat." 

And he looked, and, behold, there was at his head 
a cake baked on the coals, and a bottle of water. 
And he did eat and drink, and laid himself down 
again. 

317 



3i8 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And the angel of the Lord came again the second 
time, and touched him, and said, ''Arise and eat; 
because the journey is too great for thee." 

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in 
the strength of that food forty days and forty nights 
unto Horeb the mount of God. 

B. ELIJAH COMFORTED AND INSTRUCTED 

And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged 
there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to 
him, and he said unto him, "What doest thou here, 
Elijah?" 

And he said, "I have been very jealous for the 
Lord, the God of hosts; for the children of Israel 
have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine 
altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword: and 
I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to 
take it away." 

And he said, "Go forth, and stand upon the 
mount before the Lord." 

And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and 
strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces 
the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in 
the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but 
the Lord was not in the earthquake : and after the 
earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: 
and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, 
when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in 
his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering 



ELIJAH, CHAMPION OF JUSTICE 319 

of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto 
him, and said, "What doest thou here, Elijah?" 

And he said, "I have been very jealous for the 
Lord, the God of hosts; for the children of Israel 
have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine 
altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and 
I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to 
take it away." 

And the Lord said unto him, " Go, return on thy 
way to the wilderness of Damascus : and when thou 
comest, thou shalt anoint Hazael to be king over 
Syria: and Jehu shalt thou anoint to be king over 
Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat shalt thou 
anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall 
come to pass, that him that escapeth from the sword 
of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth 
from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet will 
I leave me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees 
which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth 
which hath not kissed him." 

C. THE CALL OF ELISHA 

So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son 
of Shaphat, who was plowing, with twelve yoke of 
oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah 
passed over unto him, and cast his mantle upon him. 
And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, 
" Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, 
and then I will follow thee." 



320 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And he said unto him, ''Go back again; for 
what have I done to thee ?" 

And he returned from following him, and took the 
yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh 
with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the 
people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went 
after Elijah, and ministered unto him. 

§84. Elijah and the Tyrant (I Kings 21 : 1-24) 
A. AHAB COVETS NABOTH'S VINEYARD 

And it came to pass after these things, that Na- 
both the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in 
Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 
And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, " Give me thy 
vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, 
because it is near unto my house; and I will give 
thee for it a better vineyard than it : or, if it seem 
good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in 
money." 

And Naboth said to Ahab, "The Lord forbid it 
me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers 
unto thee." 

And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased 
because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite 
had spoken to him: for he had said, " I will not give 
thee the inheritance of my fathers." And he laid him 
down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and 
would eat no bread. 

But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto 



ELIJAH, CHAMPION OF JUSTICE 321 

him, ''Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no 
bread?" 

And he said unto her, "Because I spake unto 
Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, ' Give me 
thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, 
I will give thee another vineyard for it': and he 
answered, *I will not give thee my vineyard.'" 

And Jezebel his wife said unto him, ''Dost thou 
now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat 
bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee 
the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite." 

B. JEZEBEL'S PLOT 

So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed 
them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the 
elders and to the nobles that were in the city, and 
that dwelt with Naboth. And she wrote in the 
letters, saying, " Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on 
high among the people: and set two wicked men 
before him, and let them bear witness against him, 
saying, ' Thou didst curse God and the king.' And 
then carry him out, and stone him, that he die." 

And the men of his city, even the elders and the 
nobles who dwelt in his city, did as Jezebel had sent 
unto them, according as it was written in the letters 
which she had sent unto them. They proclaimed 
a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. 
And the two wicked men came in and sat before him : 
and the men bare witness against him, even against 



322 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, 
''Naboth did curse God and the king." Then they 
carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him 
with stones, that he died. Then they sent to Jezebel, 
saying, "Naboth is stoned, and is dead." 

And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that 
Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that she said to 
Ahab, "Arise, take possession of the vineyard of 
Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee 
for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead." 

And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Na- 
both was dead, that he rose up to go down to the 
vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession 
of it. 

C. ELIJAH'S STARTLING SENTENCE 

And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the 
Tishbite, saying, "Arise, go down to meet Ahab 
king of Israel, who dwelleth in Samaria: behold, 
he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone 
down to take possession of it. And thou shalt speak 
unto him, saying, ' Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou 
killed, and also taken possession?' and thou shalt 
speak unto him, saying, 'Thus saith the Lord, In 
the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, 
shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.'" 

And Ahab said to Elijah, "Hast thou found me, 
O mine enemy?" 

And he answered, "I have found thee: because 



ELIJAH, CHAMPION OF JUSTICE 323 

thou hast sold thyself to do that which is evil in the 
sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring evil upon 
thee,^ and will utterly sweep thee away, and will cut 
off from Ahab every man child, and him that is shut 
up and him that is laft at large in Israel, for the 
provocation wherewith thou hast provoked me to 
anger, and hast made Israel to sin. And of Jezebel 
also spake the Lord, saying, 'The dogs shall eat 
Jezebel by the rampart of Jezreel.' Him that dieth 
of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat ; and him that 
dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat." 

§85. The Old Prophet and the New Prophet 

(II Kings 2:1-15) 

A. THE FAREWELL OF THE OLD PROPHET 

And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up 
Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah went 
with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said unto 
Elisha, "Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord 
hath sent me as far as Beth-el." 

And Elisha said, "As the Lord liveth, and as thy 
soul liveth, I will not leave thee." 

So they went down to Beth-el. And the sons of 
the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to 
Elisha, and said unto him, "Knowest thou that the 
Lord will take away thy master from thy head 
to-day?" 

And he said, "Yea, I know it; hold ye your 
peace." 



324 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And Elijah said unto him, ''EHsha, tarry here, I 
pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Jericho." 

And he said, '' As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul 
liveth, I will not leave thee." 

So they came to Jericho. And the sons of the 
prophets that were at Jericho came near to Elisha, 
and said unto him, "Knowest thou that the Lord 
will take away thy master from thy head to-day?" 

And he answered, "Yea, I know it; hold ye your 
peace." 

And Elijah said unto him, "Tarry here, I pray 
thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan." 

And he said, " As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul 
liveth, I will not leave thee." 

And they two went on. And fifty men of the sons 
of the prophets went, and stood over against them 
afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. And 
Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and 
smote the waters, and they were divided hither and 
thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. 
And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that 
Elijah said unto Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for 
thee, before I be taken from thee." 

And EHsha said, "I pray thee, let a double por- 
tion of thy spirit be upon me." 

And he said, "Thou hast asked a hard thing: 
nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from 
thee, it shall be so unto thee ; but if not, it shall not 
be so." 



ELIJAH, CHAMPION OF JUSTICE 325 

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and 
talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of 
fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both 
asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into 
heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, "My 
father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the 
horsemen thereof ! " 

B. THE NEW PROPHET 

And he saw him no more: and he took hold of 
his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He 
took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, 
and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan. 
And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from 
him, and smote the waters, and said, "Where is the 
Lord, the God of Elijah?" and when he also had 
smitten the waters, they were divided hither and 
thither: and Elisha went over. 

And when the sons of the prophets which were 
at Jericho over against him saw him, they said, 
"The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha." And 
they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to 
the ground before him. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

313. How did the great day close after Elijah had defeated 
the prophets of Baal ? How do you think Ahab felt about it ? 
Elijah probably hoped to see a complete return of the people 
to the Lord and he expected the wicked queen Jezebel to be 
prevented from interfering with the prophets of the Lord. 

314 (§83A). What did Ahab do when he returned home? 



326 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

What did Jezebel decide? Was she wiUing to give up her 
power? EUjah saw that nothing had been gained, for the 
wicked queen was still in control. Where did he go ? Follow 
his journe)4 on the map. Mention all the circumstances that 
would make Elijah tired out. His discouragement was 
largely due to his exhaustion from hunger and travel. What 
kind thing did the Lord do for the tired prophet ? 

315 (§836). Where did Elijah go ? Horeb is another name 
for Mount Sinai. Do you remember what great hero led the 
people to Sinai ? (§4oA.) Elijah wanted to go back to the 
mountain where his people had heard of the Lord. Tell the 
story of what happened at the cave. The Lord would, show 
Elijah that the people could not be saved by great contests, but 
by gentle means. He also told him that it would take time 
to get rid of the idolatry. He told him three important persons 
would all have a part in the work, even after he was dead: 
who were these ? 

316 (§836). Elijah was mistaken in thinking that he was 
the only faithful man left. How many were there? There 
are often more good people than we think. 

317 (§830). Tell the story of the call of Elisha. 

318 (§84A). Locate Jezreel on the map. We found it 
before, near Mt. Carmel. King Ahab had a fine palace there, 
though his capital was in Samaria. But the king needed 
some more land to make a garden. How did he try to get it ? 
Why would not the man sell it ? We must remember that in 
those times a farm would sometimes remain in one family 
for centuries. How did Ahab behave? What did Jezebel 
say that she would do ? 

319 (§846). A king of Israel could not do as he pleased. 
He was bound to respect the rights of his people. Jezebel 
therefore thought out a plan to have Naboth killed. What 
was the plan and how did it work ? 

320 (§846). When Jezebel heard of the success of her plot 



ELIJAH, CHAMPION OF JUSTICE 327 

she told the king. What did he do ? What ought he to have 
done ? 

321 (§840). The king and queen had forgotten all about 
Elijah. How did he suddenly appear ? Imagine how fright- 
ened the king must have been when he saw the stern prophet 
coming to meet him in the garden. So conscience suddenly 
speaks when we have forgotten it. What did Elijah say ? 

322 (§840). We have seen Elijah the champion of pure 
religion, now we see him the champion of justice. There was 
no one else who dare speak against the king's tyranny. Do 
you think he was brave ? Why did not Ahab kill him ? 

323 (§85 A). Tell the story of the last journey of Elijah and 
Elisha. Follow the journey on the map. Imagine the fearful 
mountain storm on the east of Jordan in the midst of which 
Elijah was carried away. Is it not a grand story of the end 
of such a stormy life ? 

324 (§856). How did the new prophet begin his work? 

V^RITTEN REVIEW 

Write a short story of the scene in Naboth's vineyard when 
Elijah appeared. Describe the king's interest in his new 
possession, and then the interruption, and the result. 



XXX. ELISHA, THE HEALER AND 

COUNSELOR 

THE STORY 

§86. The Payment of the Widow's Debt 

(H Kings 4: 1-7) 

Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of 
the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, "Thy 
servant my husband is dead : and thou knowest that 
thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is 
come to take unto him my two children to be slaves." 

And Elisha said unto her, ''What shall I do for 
thee? tell me; what hast thou in the house?" 

And she said, "Thine handmaid hath not any 
thing in the house, save a pot of oil." 

Then he said, " Go, borrow thee vessels abroad 
of all thy neighbors, even empty vessels; borrow 
not a few. And thou shalt go in, and shut the door 
upon thee and upon thy sons, and pour out into all 
those vessels; and thou shalt set aside that which is 
full." 

So she went from him, and shut the door upon her 
and upon her sons; they brought the vessels to her, 
and she poured out. And it came to pass, when the 
vessels were full, that she said unto her son, "Bring 
me yet a vessel." 

And he said, "There is not another vessel." 
328 



ELISHA, HEALER AND COUNSELOR 329 

And the oil stopped. Then she came and told 
the man of God. And he said, " Go, sell the oil, 
and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy sons on the 

rest." 

§87. The Healing of the Leper (II Kings, chap. 5) 

A. NAAMAN'S visit to ISRAEL 

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of 
Syria, was a great man with his master, and honor- 
able, because by him the Lord had given victory 
unto Syria: he was also a mighty man of valor, 
but he was a leper. And the Syrians had gone out 
in bands, and had brought away a captive out of 
the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited 
on Naaman's wife. And she said unto her mistress, 
"Would God my lord were with the prophet that is 
in Samaria! then would he recover him of his 
leprosy." 

And one went in, and told his lord, saying, " Thus 
and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel." 

And the king of Syria said, " Go to, go, and I will 
send a letter unto the king of Israel." 

xAnd he departed, and took with him ten talents 
of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten 
changes of raiment. And he brought the letter to the 
king of Israel, saying, "And now when this letter 
is come unto thee, behold, I have sent Naaman my 
servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of 
his leprosy." 



330 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had 
read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, 
''Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man 
doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy ? 
but consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh 
a quarrel against me." 

B. N A AM AN HEALED 

And it was so, when Elisha the man of God 
heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, 
that he sent to the king, saying, "Wherefore hast 
thou rent thy clothes ? let him come now to me, and 
he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel." 

So Naaman came with his horses and with his 
chariots, and stood at the door of the house of 
Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, 
saying, " Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and 
thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt 
be clean." 

But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and 
said, ''Behold, I thought. He will surely come out 
to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord 
his God, and wave his hand over the place, and 
recover the leper. Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the 
rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of 
Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?" 

So he turned and went away in a rage. And his 
servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, 
"My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some 



ELISHA, HEALER AND COUNSELOR 33"^ 

great thing, wouldest thou not have done it ? how 
much rather then, when he saith to thee, 'Wash, 
and be clean' ?" 

Then went he down, and dipped himself seven 
times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man 
of God : and his flesh came again like unto the flesh 
of a little child, and he was clean. 

c. naaman's gratitude 

And he returned to the man of God, he and ail 
his company, and came, and stood before him: 
and he said, "Behold now, I know that there is no 
God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, 
I pray thee, take a present of thy servant." 

But he said, "As the Lord liveth, before whom I 
stand, I will receive none." 

And he urged him to take it ; but he refused. And 
Naaman said, "If not, yet I pray thee let there be 
given to thy servant two mules' burden of earth; 
for thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt 
offering nor sacrifice unto other gods, but unto the 
Lord." 

And he said unto him, " Go in peace." 

So he departed from him a little way. 

D. PUNISHMENT OF GREED AND DECEIT 

But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of 
God, said, "Behold, my master hath spared this 
Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that 



332 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

which he brought: as the Lord hveth, I will run 
after him, and take somewhat of him." 

So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when 
Naaman saw one running after him, he lighted down 
from the chariot to meet him, and said, " Is all well ?" 

And he said, " All is well. My master hath sent 
me, saying, ' Behold, even now there be come to me 
from the hili country of Ephraim two young men 
of the sons of the prophets; give them, I pray thee, 
a talent of silver, and two changes of raiment.' " 

And Naaman said, " Be content, take two talents." 

And he urged him and bound two talents of siK^r 
in two bags, with two changes of raiment, and laid 
them upon two of his servants; and they bare them 
before him. And when he came to the hill, he took 
them from their hand, and bestowed them in the 
house: and he let the men go, and they departed. 
But he went in, and stood before his master. 

And Elisha said unto him, ''Whence comest thou, 
Gehazi?" 

And he said, ''Thy servant went no whither." 

And he said unto him, "Went not mine heart 
with thee, when the man turned again from his 
chariot to meet thee ? Is it a time to receive money, 
and to receive garments, and oliveyards and vine- 
yards, and sheep and oxen, and menservants and 
maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman 
shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for 



ELISHA, HEALER AND COUNSELOR 333 

And he went out from his presence a leper as 
white as snow. 

§88. Mysterious Capture of the Syrian Soldiers 

(II Kings 6:8-23) 

A. THE SYRIANS' FEAR OF ELISHA 

Now the king of Syria warred against Israel; and 
he took counsel with his servants, saying, "In such 
and such a place shall be my camp." 

And the man of God sent unto the king of 
Israel, saying, "Beware that thou pass not such 
a place; for thither the Syrians are coming 
down." 

And the king of Israel sent to the place which the 
man of God told him and warned him of; and he 
saved himself there, not once nor twice. 

And the heart of the king of Syria was sore 
troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, 
and said unto them, "Will ye not show me which 
of us is for the king of Israel?" 

And one of his servants said, "Nay, my lord, O 
king: but EHsha, the prophet that is in Israel, 
telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speak- 
est in thy bedchamber." 

And he said, " Go and see where he is, that I may 
send and fetch him." 

And it was told him, saying, "Behold, he is in 
Dothan." 



334 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

B. THE UNSEEN ARMY OF THE LORD 

Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and 
a great host : and they came by night, and compassed 
the city about. And when the servant of the man 
of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an 
host with horses and chariots was round about the 
city. *And his servant said unto him, "Alas, my 
master ! how shall we do ? " 

And he answered, "Fear not: for they that be 
with us are more than they that be with them." 
And Elisha prayed, and said, "Lord, I pray thee, 
open his eyes, that he may see." 

And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; 
and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full 
of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 
And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed 
unto the Lord, and said, "Smite this people, I pray 
thee, with blindness." And he smote them with 
blindness according to the word of Elisha. 

And Elisha said unto them, " This is not the way, 
neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring 
you to the man whom ye seek." And he led them 
to Samaria. 

C. THE RELEASE OF THE. PRISONERS 

And it came to pass, when they were come into 
Samaria, that Elisha said, "Lord, open the eyes of 
these men, that they may see." And the Lord 



ELISHA, HEALER AND COUNSELOR 335 

opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they 
were in the midst of Samaria. 

And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he 
saw them, "My father, shall I smite them? shall I 
smite them?" 

And he answered, "Thou shalt not smite them: 
wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken 
captive with thy sword and with thy bow ? set bread 
and water before them, that they may eat and drink, 
and go to their master." 

And he prepared great provision for them: and 
when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, 
and they went to their master. And the bands of 
Syria came no more into the land of Israel. 

§89. Elisha's Last Counsel (II Kings 13 : 14-19) 

Now Elisha was fallen sick of the sickness of which 
he died: and Joash the king of Israel came down 
unto him, and wept over him, and said, " My father, 
my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen 
thereof!" 

And Ehsha said unto him, "Take bow and 
arrows." And he took unto him bow and arrows. 

And he said to the king of Israel, " Put thine hand 
upon the bow." And he put his hand upon it. 
And Elisha laid his hands upon the king's hands. 

And he said, "Open the window eastward." 
And he opened it. 

Then Elisha said, " Shoot." And he shot. 



33^ HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And he said, " The Lord's arrow of victory, even 
the arrow of victory over Syria: for thou shalt smite 
the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them." 

And he said, "Take the arrows." And he took 
them. 

And he said unto the king of Israel. " Smite upon 
the ground." And he smote thrice, and stayed. 

And the man of God was wroth with him, and 
said, "Thou shouldest have smitten five or six 
times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst 
consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria 
but thrice." 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

325. Different kinds of men are needed for different times. 
Severe contests require vigorous men: times of trouble re- 
quire patient men. When the king and all Israel were going 
into heathen worship, the strong, stern Elijah was the man to 
force them back to right conduct. But when the kingdom of 
Israel fell into great weakness and was beaten again and again 
by the Syrians, there was need of a prophet who could comfort 
and encourage the nation. The young man who had been 
trained by Elijah was fitted for this work. What was his 
name ? He must have been a most kindly and helpful man 
as there are more wonderful stories gathered about his name 
than about any of the other heroes of Israel. We shall study 
four of these stories. 

326 (§86). This story shows us how harsh the old law of 
debt was. Why were the widow's two sons to be sold as 
slaves ? She came to Elisha in her trouble, and he said that 
they would use whatever she had. What did she have? 
How was the debt paid ? 



ELISHA, HEALER AND COUNSELOR 337 

327 (§8 7 A). Locate Syria on the map to the north of Israel. 
What is the capital ? These people had been fighting against 
Israel and had taken many prisoners and made slaves of them. 
What was the name of the Syrian general ? He was a great 
man, but he had the terrible disease of leprosy. It is a most 
frightful malady, slowly eating away the body. The general's 
wife had a little Hebrew slave. How did she get her ? What 
did the little slave say to her mistress? Tell the story of 
Naaman's visit to Israel. 

328 (§876). How was the king of Israel troubled, and what 
did Elisha say to him ? Describe the grand visit of the general 
with all his servants to the simple home of the prophet. What 
message did Elisha send ? Why was Naaman angry ? What 
did his servants say to him ? How did it all turn out ? 

329 (§870). What great change of feehng came over 
Naaman ? What did he wish to give Elisha ? The prophet 
did not want any present, because he wished Naaman to know 
that the Lord's prophet would help anyone in need without 
money. 

330 (§87D). What did EHsha's servant think of this conduct 
of his master? Tell the story of his greed and deceit. Notice 
how one sin leads to another and one lie leads to another. 
But the prophet understood the wicked servant. What terrible 
punishment came upon him ? 

331 (§88A). How did Elisha help his people against the 
plans of the Syrians ? What did the Syrian king think of it ? 
It seems evident that Elisha was the counselor of Israel. 
Locate Dothan on the map. 

332 (§88B). Tell the story of the two armies, one of them 
visible and the other invisible. This is a beautiful way of 
telling of God's power and care that are always over us. How 
did Elisha lead the army to Samaria ? 

333 (§88C). How did the S>Tians find that they were in the 
capital of their enemies ? What did the king want to do to 



33^ HEROES OF ISRAEL 

them ? How did Elisha say they should be treated ? Do you 
remember that several times we have called the heroes ''mag- 
nanimous" ? Elisha has this character. After all, forgiveness 
is the best revenge. 

334 (§89). At last the old prophet who had been the coun- 
selor of several kings was about to die. Who visited him? 
Notice he used the same words of him that Elisha had used 
of Elijah. What did it mean? Tell the story of the bow 
and arrows. The king was not a strong character and he 
showed it in this little bit of play. Elisha meant to tell him 
that great things in the world can only be done by determina- 
tion. In the Civil War our great generals did not give 
up after three endeavors. Grant said "I propose to fight it 
out on this line, if . . . . " (finish the quotation), and Lee 
held together his gallant army to the last limit of endurance. 

WRITTEN REVIEVi^ 

It would be interesting if we had the whole story of the little 
slave girl in Damascus. But we know enough about her so 
that we can easily think what her life may have been. Make 
up a story about her and write it just as if you were to read it 
to someone who had never heard of her. Tell about her home 
in Israel and how one day she saw the great prophet. Tell 
of the cruel war in which she was captured, and how she was 
sold as a slave in Syria, and so came to be the servant of 
Naaman's wife. Describe her feelings as she saw her master's 
misery and thought how Elisha could heal him. Tell what you 
think happened to her when Naaman came home restored to 
health. If you use your imagination carefully and remember 
what we have learned about the country and people you can 
write a very interesting story. 



PATRIOTS IN TROUBLOUS TIMES 

XXXI. Nehemiah, the Builder 
XXXII. Esther, the Patriot Queen 

XXXIII. Judas, the Hammerer 

XXXIV. Daniel and His Friends 



XXXI. NEHEMIAH, THE BUILDER 

THE STORY 

§90. Nehemiah^s Plans (Neh. 1:1-4, n; 

2:1-9, ii-i3» 16-18) 

A. NEHEMIAH'S sorrow for JERUSALEM 

Now it came to pass as I was in Shushan the 
palace, that Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he 
and certain men out of Judah; and I asked them 
concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were 
left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And 
they said unto me, "The remnant that are left of 
the captivity there in the province are in great affliction 
and reproach : the wall of Jerusalem also is broken 
down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire." 

And it came to pass, when I heard these words, 
that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; 
and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven, 
and said, ''O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine 
ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to 
the prayer of thy servants, who delight to fear thy 
name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this 
day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man." 
(Now I was cupbearer to the king.) 

B. THE king's permission TO REBUILD 

And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the 
twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, when wine 
341 



342 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

was before him, that I took up the wine, and gave 
it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime 
sad in his presence. And the king said unto me, 
"Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not 
sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart." 

Then I was very sore afraid. And I said unto the 
king, ''Let the king Hve for ever: why should not 
my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of 
my father's sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates 
thereof are consumed with fire ?" 

Then the king said unto me, ''For what dost thou 
make request ?" 

So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said 
unto the king, "If it please the king, and if thy 
servant have found favor in thy sight, that thou 
wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my 
fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it." 

And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting 
by him,) "For how long shall thy journey be ? and 
when wilt thou return?" 

So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him 
a time. Moreover I said unto the king, "If it 
please the king, let letters be given me to the govern- 
ors beyond the river, that they may let me pass 
through till I come unto Judah; and a letter unto 
Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may 
give me timber to make beams for the gates of the 
castle, and for the wall of the city, and for the house 
that I shall enter into." 



NEHEMIAH, THE BUILDER 343 

And the king granted me, according to the good 
hand of my God upon me. 

C. NEHEMIAH' S ARRIVAL IN JERUSALEM 

Then I came to the governors beyond the river, 
and gave them the king's letters. Now the king 
had sent with me captains of the army and horse- 
men. So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three 
days. 

And I arose in the night, I and some few men 
with me; neither told I any man what my God put 
into my heart to do for Jerusalem : neither was there 
any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon. 
And I went out by night by the valley gate, and 
viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken 
down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire. 
And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; 
neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the 
priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to 
the rest that did the work. 

D. THE BEGINNING OF THE WORK 

Then said I unto them, " Ye see the evil case that we 
are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates there- 
of are burned with fire : come and let us build up the 
wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach." 
And I told them of the hand of my God which was 
good upon me; as also of the king's words that he 
had spoken unto me. 



344 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

And they said, "Let us rise up and build." So 
they strengthened their hands for the good work. 

§91. Nehemiah's Difficulties (Neh. 4:1-4, 6-9, 
16-20; 6:1-9) 

A. SCORNFUL JEALOUSY OF THE ENEMIES 

But it came to pass that, when Sanballat heard that 
we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great 
indignation, and mocked the Jews. And he spake 
before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and 
said, "What do these feeble Jews ? will they fortify 
themselves ? will they sacrifice ? will they make an 
end in a day ? will they revive the stones out of the 
heaps of rubbish, seeing they are burned ?" 

Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he 
said, "Even that which they build, if a fox go up, 
he shall break down their stone wall." 

"Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn 
back their reproach upon their own head; for they 
have provoked thee to anger before the builders." 

So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined 
together unto half the height thereof: for the people 
had a mind to work. 

B. CONSPIRACY OF THE ENEMIES 

But it came to pass that, when Sanballat, and 
Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and 
the Ashdodites, heard that the repairing of the walls 
of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches 



NEHEMIAH, THE BUILDER 345 

began to be stopped, that they were very wroth; 
and they conspired all of them together to come and 
fight against Jerusalem, and to cause confusion 
therein. But we made our prayer unto our God, 
and set a watch against them day and night, because 
of them. And it came to pass from that time forth, 
that half of my servants wrought in the work, and 
half of them held the spears, the shields, and the 
bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were 
behind all the house of Judah. They that builded 
the wall and they that bore burdens laded them- 
selves, every one with one of his hands wrought in 
the work, and with the other held his weapon; and 
the builders, every one had his sword girded by his 
side, and so builded. And he that sounded the 
trumpet was by me. And I said unto the nobles, 
and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, 
''The work is great and large, and we are separated 
upon the wall, one far from another: in what place 
soever ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye 
thither unto us; our God shall fight for us." 

C. PLOTS OF THE ENEMIES 

Now it came to pass, when it was reported to 
Sanballat and Tobiah, and to Geshem the Arabian, 
and unto the rest of our enemies, that I had builded 
the wall, and that there was no breach left therein 
(though even unto that time I had not set up the 
doors in the gates) ; that Sanballat and Geshem sent 



346 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

unto me, saying, "Come, let us meet together in 
one of the villages in the plain of Ono." 

But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent 
messengers unto them, saying, "I am doing a great 
work, so that I cannot come down: why should the 
work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to 
you?" 

And they sent unto me four times after this sort; 
and I answered them after the same manner. Then 
sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner 
the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; wherein 
was written, "It is reported among the nations, and 
Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to 
rebel; for which cause thou buildest the wall: and 
thou wouldest be their king, according to these words. 
And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of 
thee at Jerusalem, saying, ' There is a king in Judah' : 
and now shall it be reported to the king according to 
these words. Come now therefore, and let us take 
counsel together." 

Then I sent unto him, saying, "There are no 
such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest 
them out of thine own heart." For they all would 
have made us afraid, saying, "Their hands shall 
be weakened from the work, that it be not done." 
But now, O God, strengthen thou my hands. 



NEHEMIAH, THE BUILDER 347 

§92. Nehemiah's Success (Neh. 6:15, 16; 7:1-3; 
12:27, 31, 38, 40, 43; Ps. 122:2, 3) 

A. THE COMPLETION OF THE WALL 

So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth 
day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. And 
it came to pass, when all our enemies heard thereof, 
that all the heathen that were about us feared, and 
were much cast down in their own eyes: for they 
perceived that this work was wrought of our God. 

Now it came to pass, when the wall w^as built, and 
I had set up the doors, that I gave my brother 
Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, 
charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, 
and feared God above many. And I said unto 
them, ''Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened 
until the sun be hot; and while they stand on guard, 
let them shut, the doors, and bar ye them: and 
appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, 
every one in his watch, and every one to be over 
against his house." 

B. THE DEDICATION OF THE WALL 

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem 
they sought the Levites out of all their places, to 
bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication 
with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with 
singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps. 
Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the 
wall, and appointed two great companies that gave 



348 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

thanks and went in procession; whereof one went on 
the right hand upon the wall eastward. And the 
other company of them that gave thanks went to 
meet them, and I after them, with the half of the 
people, upon the wall. And the two companies 
of them that gave thanks met in the house of God, 
and stood still, and the singers sang loud: 
Our feet are standing 
Within thy gates, O Jerusalem, 
• Jerusalem, that art builded 

As a city that is compact together. 
And they offered great sacrifices that day, and re- 
joiced; for God had made them rejoice with great 
joy; and the women also and the children rejoiced: 
so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

335- When a man has been prominent in a great undertaking 
it is very interesting to have his own account of it. General 
Grant was persuaded by friends to write a story of his own 
campaigns. It was called ''Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. 
Grant," the word ''memoirs" meaning his own recollections 
of the events. Perhaps the first man who ever wrote such a 
personal story was the Governor of Judah, 2,300 years ago 
The story we study here might be called "Personal Memoirs 
of Nehemiah." 

336. Nehemiah was a great patriot. It is easy to be a 
patriot when it simply means shouting for a great, prosperous 
country. But this man had never seen his own land. His 
great-grandparents had been taken away as prisoners, and 
the family had been one hundred and fifty years in the foreign 



NEHEMIAH, THE BUILDER 349 

land. But they had never forgotten their own beloved 
country. Nehemiah was rich, and in a high office in Persia, 
but he loved Jerusalem and longed to be able to serve her. 
Read (and learn) Ps. 137:5, 6, and you will see how the 
patriotic Jews in the East felt about their fatherland. Let 
us read this personal story of the patriot and see what he did. 

337 (§9°^). Look at the map of the Semitic world and find 
Persia in the East. Find Susa, which is the same as Shushan. 
It is a long way from Jerusalem. But one day some of the 
Jews came from Jerusalem to the palace of the Persian king 
to tell the story of the sad condition of their city. What did 
they tell Nehemiah ? How did the story affect him ? What 
office did he hold ? Look up the description of this office that 
we had some time ago (62). 

338 (§9oB). Oriental kings are very arbitrary and the 
courtiers have to be most careful not to offend them. Note 
how cleverly Nehemiah managed, so that he obtained all that 
he wanted from the king. What did he obtain? 

339 (§9oC). Look again at the map. What is the river 
that Nehemiah mentions? Recall the first journey that we 
followed from the East to Palestine (§§3, 5). Note that the 
Governor traveled with a body guard. What did he do first 
in Jerusalem ? 

340 (§9oD). The people who had lived so long in the 
ruined city were discouraged. How did Nehemiah cheer 
them ? How did they respond ? 

341 (§9iA). There were jealous enemies all around Judah, 
so Nehemiah soon found himself in difficulties. First they 
despised his efforts. How did he meet this ridicule ? 

342 (§9iB). When the enemies could not stop him by 
laughing at him, what did they try? How did Nehemiah 
plan his work so as not to be surprised ? 

343 (§9iC). What plots did the enemies devise ? How did 
Nehemiah meet the plots ? 



3 so HEROES OF ISRAEL 

344 (§92 A). In the old times, cities had to, have walls all 
around them to prevent attacks. How long did it take this 
vigorous governor to repair the fortifications? How did he 
plan to guard the city? 

345 (§92B). What help did Nehemiah feel that he had in 
all his work? '' Dedication" means an offering to God. 
They gave the city to God. Tell the story of this joyful 
patriotic service. Learn the song that they sang. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Remember that the city had been in ruins and neglected 
for one hundred and fifty years. Imagine what condition it 
was in when Nehemiah made his night ride of observation. 
Write a description of all that you think he saw. 



XXXII. ESTHER, THE PATRIOT QUEEN 

THE STORY 

§93. Esther Made Queen (Esther i : i, 5, 7, 9, 11-13, 15, 
16, 19, 21; 2:1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 15-18, 20) 

A. QUEEN VASHTI DEPOSED 

King Ahasuerus made a feast unto all the people 
that were present in Shushan the palace, both great 
and small, seven days in the court of the garden of 
the king's palace. And they gave them in vessels 
of gold royal wine in abundance, according to every 
man's pleasure. 

Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in 
the royal house. On the seventh day, when the heart 
of the king was merry with wine, he commanded 
to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the 
crown royal, to show the peoples and the princes her 
beauty: for she was fair to look on. But the queen 
Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment 
by the chamberlains: therefore was the king very 
wroth, and his anger burned in him. 

Then the king said to the wise men, "What shall 
we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, be- 
cause she hath not done the bidding of the king?" 

And Memucan answered before the king and the 
princes, "If it please the king, let there go forth a 
royal commandment from him, and let it be written 

351 



352 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that 
it be not altered, that Vashti come no more before 
king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal 
estate unto another that is better than she." 

And the saying pleased the king and the princes; 
and the king did according to the word of Memucan. 

B. THE SELECTION OF ESTHER 

After these things, when the wrath of king Ahas- 
uerus was pacified, he remembered Vashti, and 
what she had done, and what was decreed against 
her. Then said the king's servants that ministered 
unto him, '' Let there be fair young maidens sought 
for the king in all his kingdom; and let the maiden 
which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti." 
And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. 

There was a certain Jew, whose name was Mor- 
decai, who had brought up Esther, his uncle's 
daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, 
and the maiden was fair and beautiful; and when 
her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took 
her for his own daughter. So it came to pass, when 
the king's commandment and his decree was heard, 
and when many maidens were gathered together unto 
Shushan the palace, that Esther was taken into the 
king's house. 

Now when the turn of Esther was come to go in 
unto the king, she required nothing but what the 
keeper of the women appointed. And Esther ob- 



ESTHER, THE PATRIOT QUEEN 353 

tained favor in the sight of all them that looked 
upon her. So Esther was taken unto king Ahas- 
uerus into his house royal in the tenth month, in 
the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved 
Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace 
and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so 
that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made 
her queen instead of Vashti. 

Then the king made a great feast unto all his 
princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and 
he gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king. 

Esther had not yet showed her kindred nor her 
people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther 
did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she 
was brought up with him. 

§94. The Plot against the Jews (Esther 3:1, 2, 5, 6, 
8-13; 4:1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 11-17) 

A. THE ENMITY OF HAMAN 

After these things did king Ahasuerus promote 
Haman, and advanced him, and set his seat above 
all the princes that were with him. And all the 
king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed 
down, and did reverence to Haman: for the king 
had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai 
bowed not down, nor did him reverence. 

And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not 
down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full 
of wrath. But he thought scorn to lay hands on 



354 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Mordecai alone; for they had showed him the people 
of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy 
all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom 
of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. 

And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, "There 
is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed 
among the peoples in all the provinces of thy king- 
dom; and their laws are diverse from those of every 
people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore 
it is not for the king's profit to suffer them. If it 
please the king, let it be written that they be de- 
stroyed." 

And the king took his ring from his hand and 
gave it unto Haman, and said, '^ The people is given 
to thee to do with them as it seemeth good to thee." 

Then were the king's scribes called, and letters 
were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to 
destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all Jews, 
both young and old, Httle children and women, in 
one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth 
month, which is the month Adar, and to take the 
spoil of them for a prey. 

B. mordecai' S APPEAL TO ESTHER 

Now when Mordecai knew all that was done, 
Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with 
ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and 
cried wiMi a loud and a bitter cry : and he came even 
before the king's gate: for none might enter within 



ESTHER, THE PATRIOT QUEEN 355 

the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. And in 
every province, whithersoever the king's command- 
ment and his decree came, there was great mourn- 
ing among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and 
wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 

And Esther's maidens and her chamberlains came 
and told it her; and the queen was exceedingly 
grieved: and she sent her chamberlain to Mordecai 
to know what this was, and why it was. 

And Mordecai gave him a copy of the writing of 
the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy 
them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto 
her; and to charge her that she should go in unto 
the king, to make supplication unto him, and to 
make request before him, for her people. 

And he came and told Esther the words of Mor- 
decai. Then Esther gave him a message unto Mor- 
decai, saying: "All the king's servants, and the 
people of the king's provinces, do know, that who- 
soever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the 
king into the inner court, who is not called, there is 
one law for him, that he be put to death, except 
such to whom the king shall hold out the golden 
sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called 
to come in unto the king these thirty days." 

And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. Then 
Mordecai bade them return answer unto Esther, 
"Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in 
the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if 



356 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then 
shall relief and deliverance arise to the Jews from 
another place, but thou and thy father's house shall 
perish: and who knoweth whether thou art not 
come to the kingdom for such a time as this ?" 

Then Esther bade them return answer unto Mor- 
decai, " Go, gather together all the Jews that are 
present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither 
eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and 
my maidens will fast in like manner; and so will 
1 go in unto the king, which is not according to the 
law: and if I perish, I perish." 

So Mordecai went his way, and did according to 
all that Esther had commanded him. 

§95. Esther's Brave Intercession (Esther 5 : 1-5 ; 7 : 2-6, 
9,10; 8:1-8,9, 11,15-17; 9:1,2,5,20-23,32) 

A. THE DANGEROUS INTERVIEW 

Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther 
put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner 
court of the king's house, over against the king's 
house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in 
the royal house, over against the entrance of the 
house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther 
the queen standing in the court, that she obtained 
favor in his sight : and the king held out to Esther 
the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther 
drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then 
said the king unto her, "What wilt thou, queen 



ESTHER, THE PATRIOT QUEEN 



357 




35^ HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Esther ? and what is thy request ? it shall be given 
thee even to the half of the kingdom." 

And Esther said, '' If it seem good unto the king, 
let the king and Haman come this day unto the 
banquet that I have prepared for him." 

Then the king said, ''Cause Haman to make 
haste, that it may be done as Esther hath said." 

So the king and Haman came to the banquet 
that Esther had prepared. And the king said unto 
Esther, "What is thy petition, queen Esther? and 
it shall be granted thee : and what is thy request ? 
even to the half of the kingdom it shall be per- 
formed." 

Then Esther the queen answered and said, "If 
I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it 
please the king, let- my life be given me at my pe- 
tition, and my people at my request: for we are 
sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, 
and to perish." 

Then spake the king Ahasuerus and said unto 
Esther the queen, "Who is he, and where is he, 
that durst presume in his heart to do so ?" 

And Esther said, "An adversary and an enemy, 
even this wicked Haman." 

Then Haman was afraid before the king and the 
queen. Then said one of the chamberlains that 
were before the king, "Behold also, the gallows 
fifty cubits high, which Haman hath made for Mor- 
decai standeth in the house of Haman." 



ESTHER, THE PATRIOT QUEEN 359 

And the king said, "Hang him thereon." 

So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had 

prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's 

wrath pacified. 

B. THE DELIVERANCE OF THE JEWS 

On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house 
of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. 
And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had 
told what he was unto her. And the king took off 
his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave 
it unto Alordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over 
the house of Haman. 

And Esther spake yet again before the king, and 
fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears 
to put away the mischief of Haman and his device 
that he had devised against the Jews. Then the 
king held out to Esther the golden sceptre. So 
Esther arose, and stood before the king. And she 
said, "If it please the king, and if I have found 
favor in his sight, and the thing seem right before 
the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be 
written to reverse the letters devised by Haman 
which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all 
the king's provinces: for how^ can I endure to see the 
evil that shall come unto my people ? or how can I 
endure to see the destruction of my kindred?" 

Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the 
queen and to Mordecai the Jew, "Behold, I have 



360 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have 
hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand 
upon the Jews. Write ye also to the Jews, as it 
liketh you, in the king's ..lame, and seal it with the 
king's ring : for the writing which is written in the 
king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may 
no man reverse." 

Then were the king's scribes called at that time, 
and it was written according to all that Mordecai 
commanded unto the Jews, and to the satraps, and 
the governors and princes of the provinces, that the 
king granted the Jews which were in every city to 
gather themselves together, and to stand for their 
life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all 
the power of the people and province that would 
assault them, their little ones and women, and to 
take the spoil of them for a prey. 

And Mordecai went forth from the presence of the 
king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with 
a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen 
and purple: and/ the city of Shushan shouted and 
was glad. The Jews had light and gladness, and 
joy and honor. And in every province, and in 
every city, whithersoever the king's commandment 
and his decree came, the Jews had gladness and joy, 
a feast and a good day. And many from among the 
peoples of the land became Jews; for the fear of the 
Jews was fallen upon them. 



ESTHER, THE PATRIOT QUEEN 361 

C. THE FEAST OF THE DELIVERANCE 

Now in the twelfth month, which is the month 
Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the 
king's commandment and his decree drew near to 
be put in execution, in the day that the enemies 
of the Jews hoped to have rule over them; whereas 
it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule 
over them that hated them; the Jews gathered 
themselves together in their cities throughout all the 
provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on 
such as sought their hurt: and no man could with- 
stand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon 
all the peoples. And the Jews smote all their ene- 
mies with the stroke of the sword, and with slaughter 
and destruction, and did what they would unto them 
that hated them. 

And Mordecai wrote letters unto all the Jews that 
were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both 
nigh and far, to enjoin them that they should keep 
the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the 
fifteenth day of the same, yearly, as the days wherein 
the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month 
which was turned unto them from sorrow to glad- 
ness, and from mourning into a good day: that they 
should make them days of feasting and gladness, 
and of sending portions one to another, and gifts 
to the poor. And the Jews undertook to do as they 
had begun, -and as Mordecai had written unto them. 

And the commandment of Esther confirmed these 



362 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

matters of the feast of Purim; and it was written 
in the book. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 
346. Among the stories of their heroes the Jews preserved 
several stories of heroines, and none is more striking than that 
of the patriot queen, whose extraordinary bra very, saved her 
people. There are many kinds of bravery, some in doing, 
some in suffering. Let us try to get a correct judgment of 
Esther. 

347 (§93^). The first part of the story shows how Esther 
became the queen of Persia. What kind of feast did the 
king give ? What command did he give to Vashti ? Let us 
remember that ladies in the East do not often appear in public 
before men. How did it happen that Vashti was deposed ? 

348 (§936). What plan was proposed to secure a most 
beautiful wife for the king ? Who was Mordecai ? How did 
he get Esther introduced to the king ? How did she become 
queen ? Note that her cousin had advised her not to let it be 
known that she was a Jewess, because there was a prejudice 
against her nation. 

349 (§9ziA). The villain of the story is Haman. What high 
place did he hold ? How did Mordecai offend him ? What 
revenge did he plan? 

350 (§94B). Mordecai knew that when a royal decree had 
been issued it could not be changed. How did he behave? 
What did he request Esther to do ? 

351 (§94B). Notice the strict rule of the Persian court. 
No one could see the king unless summoned by him. How 
different from our democratic government, where any citizen 
may at least ask permission to see the president! But Mor- 
decai urged Esther to risk her life to save her people. Now 
see how brave she was. She might have said, "No one 
knows that I am a Jewess. I am quite safe as the king's 



ESTHER, THE PATRIOT QUEEN 3^3 

wife. I will keep silent. It would be folly to risk my life 
by offending the king." But she decided to risk her great 
place with its wealth and luxury, and also her Hfe, because 
her duty to her people required it. What answer did she 
send to Mordecai ? 

352 (§95 A). Describe Esther's approach to the king. The 
tyrant happened to be in a good humor, so she was safe. 
What invitation did she extend ? 

353 (§95-^) • Haman was delighted with the great honor 
the queen did him. He had no idea that his enemy, whom 
he had planned to hang on a high gallows, was the queen's 
cousin. How did it all turn out ? 

354 (§95^)- How was Mordecai promoted? We must re- 
member that although Haman was dead, the king's decree 
for the slaughter of the Jews could not be changed. But per- 
mission could be given to the Jews to defend themselves on 
the day of the massacre. How was this arranged ? 

355 (§95^). Of course this is an old story of times when 
people took fierce revenge, so we learn that the Jews slaught- 
ered their enemies. But it was a great deliverance, and 
Mordecai and Esther planned that a great feast should be 
kept to celebrate it. What kind of feast was it ? 

356 (§95C). The Jews still keep the Feast of Purim. It 
is one of the merriest times they have. They have all kinds of 
fun and give presents, as we do at Christmas. And they still 
honor the beautiful queen, who stood with her own people 
in their peril, and saved them by her wit and courage. 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Write the story of Esther's decision to go to the king, and 
tell what you think of her conduct. 



XXXIII. JUDAS, THE HAMMERER 

THE STORY 

§96. The Tyrant and the Heroes (I Mace. 1:41-50, 

54-57; 2:1-7, 14, 15, 17-25; 27, 28, 44, 

45; 48-50, 64-66, 70) 

A. THE TYRANNY OF ANTIOCHUS 

Antiochus, king of Syria, who had rule over many 
peoples and over the Jews, wrote to his whole king- 
dom, that all should be one people, and that each 
should forsake his own laws. And all the nations 
agreed according to the word of the king, and many 
of Israel consented to his worship, and sacrificed to 
the idols, and profaned the sabbath. And the king 
sent letters by the hand of messengers unto Jeru- 
salem and the cities of Judah, that they should follow 
laws strange to the land, and should profane the 
sabbaths and feasts, and pollute the sanctuary; that 
they should build altars, and temples for idols, and 
should sacrifice swine's flesh and unclean beasts. 
And whosoever shall not do according to the word 
of the king, he shall die. 

And they built an abomination of desolation 
upon the altar, and in the cities of Judah they 
built idol altars. And they rent in pieces the 
books of the law which they found, and set them on 
fire. And wheresoever was found with any a book 

364 



JUDAS, THE HAMMERER 365 

of the covenant, and if any consented to the law, 
the king's sentence deHvered him to death. 

B. THE OLD HERO AND HIS FIVE SONS 

In those days rose up Mattathias the priest, who 
dweh at Modin. And he had five sons, John, Simon, 
Judas who was called Maccabseus (the Hammerer), 
Eleazar, Jonathan. And he saw the blasphemies 
that were committed in Judah and in Jerusalem, and 
he said, 'Woe is me ! wherefore was I born to see 
ihe destruction of my people and of the holy city ? 
Wherefore should we live any longer ?" 

And Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, 
and put on sackcloth, and mourned exceedingly. 

And the king's officers came into the city Modin 
to sacrifice. And they spake to Mattathias saying, 
"Thou art a ruler and an honorable and great man 
in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren; 
now therefore come thou first and do the command- 
ment of the king, as all the nations have done, and 
the men of Judah, and they that remain in Jerusa- 
lem : and thou and thy house shall be in the number 
of the king's Friends, and thou and thy sons 
shall be honored with silver and gold and many 
gifts." 

And Mattathias answered and said with a loud 
voice, "If all the nations that are in the king's 
dominion hearken unto him, to fall away each one 
from the worship of his fathers, and have made 



366 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

choice to follow his commandments, yet will I and 
my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of 
our fathers. We will not hearken to the king's 
words, to go aside from our worship, on the right 
hand, or on the left." 

And when he had left speaking these words, there 
came a Jew in the sight of all to sacrifice on the 
altar which was at Modin, according to the king's 
commandment. And Mattathias saw it, and his 
zeal was kindled, and he showed forth his wrath, 
and ran and slew him upon the altar. And the 
king's officer, who compelled men to sacrifice, he 
killed at that time, and pulled down the altar. And 
he cried with a loud voice, "Whosoever is zealous 
for the law, let him come forth after me." 

And Mattathias and his sons fled into the moun- 
tains, and they mustered a host and smote sinners 
in their anger, and they went round about, and 
pulled down the altars, and they rescued the law 
out of the hand of the Gentiles. 

And the days of Mattathias drew near that he 
should die, and he said unto his sons, " My children, 
be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the 
covenant of your fathers. Be strong and show 
yourselves men in behalf of the law; for therein 
shall ye obtain glory. And, behold, Simon your 
brother, I know that he is a man of counsel; give ear 
unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you. 
And Judas Maccabaeus, he hath been strong and 



JUDAS, THE HAMMERER 367 

mighty from his youth: he shall be your captain, 
and shall fight the battle of the people." 

And he blessed them, and was gathered to his 
fathers. And all Israel made great lamentation for 
him. 

§97. The Great Deliverance (I Mace. 3:1, 2, 13, 15-23, 

25, 34, 35; 4:14, 25, 28, 34, 36-40, 42, 43, 

47, 48, 53-56, 58; 9:20-22) 

A. THE VICTORIES OF JUDAS 

And his son Judas, who was called Maccabaeus, 
rose up in his stead. And all his brethren helped 
him, and so did all they that clave unto his father. 
And they fought with gladness the battle of Israel. 

And Seron, the commander of the host of Syria, 
heard that Judas had gathered a congregation of 
faithful men with him, and of such as went out to 
war. And he went up with a mighty army of the 
ungodly to take vengeance on the children of Israel. 

And Judas went, forth to meet him with a small 
company. But when they saw the army coming to 
meet them they said unto Judas, "What ? shall we 
be able, being a small company, to fight against so 
great and strong a multitude ? And we for our part 
are faint, having tasted no food this day." 

And Judas said, "It is an easy thing for many 
to be shut up in the hands of a few; and with heaven 
it is all one to save by many or by few: for victory 
in battle standeth not in the multitude of a host; 



368 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

but strength is from heaven. They come to destroy 
us and our wives and our children : but we fight for 
our Hves and our laws. Be ye not afraid of them." 

Now when he had left off speaking, he leapt sud- 
denly upon them, and Seron and his army were dis- 
comfited before him. 

And the fear of Judas and his brethren, and the 
dread of them, began to fall upon the nations round 
about them. And king Antiochus gave Lysias half 
of his forces, and the elephants, and gave him charge 
to destroy the strength of Israel, and the remnant 
of Jerusalem. And Lysias chose three mighty men; 
and with them he sent forty thousand footmen, and 
seven thousand horse, to go into the land of Judah, 
and to destroy it. And Judas joined battle, and the 
Gentiles were discomfited. And Israel had a great 
deliverance that day. 

And the next year Lysias gathered together sixty 
thousand chosen footmen, and five thousand horse. 
And Judas met them with ten thousand men. And 
they joined battle; and there fell of the army of 
Lysias about five thousand men. 

B. THE TEMPLE CLEANSED 

Judas and his brethren said, ''Behold, our ene- 
mies are discomfited; let us go up to cleanse the 
holy place and to dedicate it afresh." 

And all the army was gathered together, and they 
went up unto mount Zion. And they saw the sane- 



JUDAS, THE HAMMERER 369 

tuary laid desolate, and the altar profaned and the 
gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the court 
as in a forest, and the priests' chambers pulled down. 
And they rent their clothes, and made great lamen- 
tation, and put ashes upon their heads, and fell on 
their faces to the ground, and cried toward heaven. 
Then Judas chose blameless priests, and they 
cleansed the holy place. And they built a new altar 
after the fashion of the former; and they built the 
holy place, and the inner parts of the house; and they 
hallowed the courts. 

C. THE OLD WORSHIP RESTORED 

And they offered sacrifice according to the law 
upon the new altar of burnt offerings which they had 
made. At what time and on what day the Gentiles 
had profaned it, even on that day was it dedicated 
afresh, with songs and harps and lutes, and with 
cymbals. And all the people fell upon their faces, 
and worshipped, and gave praise unto heaven, which 
had given them good success. And they kept the 
dedication of the altar eight days, and offered burnt 
offerings with gladness, and sacrificed a sacrifice of 
deliverance and praise. And there was exceeding 
great gladness among the people, and the reproach 
of the Gentiles was turned away. 

D. THE DEATH OF JUDAS 

And when Judas died all Israel made great lamen- 
tation for him, and mourned manv davs, and said, 



370 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

"How is the mighty fallen, the Savior of Israel!" 
And the rest of the acts of Judas, and his wars, 
and the valiant deeds which he did, and his great- 
ness, they are not written; for they were exceeding 
many. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

357. Three hundred years ago King Philip II of Spain was 
the most powerful king in Europe, He was a bitter tyrant, 
determined to rule his people according to his own will. He 
was a Roman Catholic and hated all Protestants. The little 
country of Holland was part of his territory and he ordered 
the people to become Roman Catholics. They refused, for 
they were loyal to their own religion. He sent against them a 
great army under the command of a brutal general, Alva, 
and all Europe thought that the little people would be crushed. 
But they fought for their faith and their homes so valiantly 
that the tyrant was compelled to withdraw. It is almost 
impossible to destroy patriots. 

358. We always admire the heroism of those who resist 
tyrants. The Jews were often bitterly persecuted and they 
had many a hero who defended them. One of the greatest 
of all their heroes was Judas, who was called the Maccabee, 
or the Hammerer. With a great faith in God and a wonderful 
courage he defeated large armies. His story is not found in 
the Old Testament, but in another collection of Hebrew books 
called "The Apocrypha." The book is I Maccabees. 

359 (§96A). At the time of this story the Jews were under 
the rule of Antiochus, the king of Syria. What was the wish 
of this tyrant ? What insults were offered to the religion of 
the Jews ? 

360 (§966). An old priest was living in one of the villages 
of Judah with his five noble sons. They were very much 



JUDAS, THE HAMMERER 371 

distressed about the sad state of their people : but what could 
they do against the strong king ? At last the king's officers 
came to this village to order the heathen sacrifices. What did 
they demand of Mattathias, and what did they promise him ? 
How did the old priest answer ? What followed ? 

361 (§966). The priest and his sons went to the hills, where 
they could find refuge in the caves. Who joined them? 
What did they do ? The fierce contest was too severe for the 
old man, and he soon fell ill. What were his last words to his 
sons? 

362 (§97A). Who took the lead after the death of the old 
priest? Note that there was no jealousy among those noble 
brothers. Tell the story of the first victory over the Syrians. 

363 (§97A). The king was astonished that his forces should 
be defeated by the little army of patriots. Great preparations 
to crush the Jews were made. Note that elephants with 
armed men were employed. What was the result of the 
campaigns ? 

364 (§97B). At last the victories were so conclusive that 
they thought it safe to go to Jerusalem and clean out the 
abominations from the temple. In what condition did they 
find the temple ? How did it affect them ? How did Judas 
purify it ? 

365 (§97C). Note how happy they were when they could 
worship once more in the house of God. Describe the cele- 
bration. 

366 (§97D). One can imagine how greatly the Jews would 
honor such a deliverer as Judas. How did they mourn for 
him at his death ? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Imagine yourself a boy (or girl) about thirteen years old, 
living in the village of Modin a little over two thousand years 
ago. Imagine that you were present on the day when the 



372 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

officers came to command the heathen sacrifice. Then 
imagine yourself writing a letter describing everything that 
took place that day. Write it in the first person to some friend 
who was absent. Describe the whole scene just as it lies in 
your mind, and tell what you think of the heroes. 



XXXIV. DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS 

THE STORY 

§98. The Training of the Young Men (Daniel i : 1-19) 

When Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came 
against Jerusalem and captured it, certain of the 
youths of the nobility were taken and given into the 
charge of the master of the king's servants that he 
should teach them the learning and the tongue of 
the Chaldeans. And the king appointed for them 
a daily portion of the king's meat, and of the wine 
which he drank, and that they should be nourished 
three years; that at the end thereof they might stand 
before the king. Now among these were, of the 
children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and 
Azariah. And the master gave names unto them: 
unto Daniel he gave the name of Belteshazzar; and 
to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Me- 
shach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego. 

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would 
not defile himself with the king's meat, nor with the 
wine which he drank: therefore he requested of 
the master that he might not defile himself. Now 
God made Daniel to find favor and .compassion in 
the sight of the master. And he said unto Daniel, 
"I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your 
meat and your drink: for why should he see your 

373 



374 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

faces worse liking than the youths which are of 
your own age ? so should ye endanger my head with 
the king." 

Then said Daniel to the steward, whom the mas- 
ter had appointed over them, "Prove thy servants, 
I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us 
vegetables to eat, and water to drink. Then let our 
countenances be looked upon before thee, and the 
countenance of the youths that eat of the king's 
meat; and as thou seest, deal with thy servants." 

So he hearkened unto them in this matter, and 
proved them ten days. And at the end of ten days 
their countenances appeared fairer, and they were 
fatter in flesh, than all the youths which did eat of 
the king's meat. So the steward took away their 
meat, and the wine that they should drink, and gave 
them vegetables. Now as for these four youths? 
God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning 
and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all 
visions and dreams. And at the end of the days 
which the king had appointed for bringing them in, 
the master brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 
And the king communed with them; and among 
them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, 
Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before 
the king. 



DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS 375 

§99. The Golden Image and the Fiery Furnace 

(Dan. 3:1, 2, 4-30) 

A. THE WORSHIP OF THE GOLDEN IMAGE 

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, 
whose height was sixty cubits, and its breadth six 
cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura in the 
province of Babylon. Then the king sent to gather 
together all the rulers of the provinces to come to 
the dedication of the image. 

Then the herald cried aloud, " To you it is com- 
manded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at 
what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, 
sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, 
ye fall down and worship the golden image that 
Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: and whoso 
falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same 
hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery fur- 
nace." 

Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard 
the music, they fell down and worshipped the golden 
image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 

B. THE THREE JEWS DEFY THE KING 

Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came 
near, and brought accusation against the Jews, and 
said to Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live for ever. 
Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man 
that shall hear the sound of the music, shall fall 
down and worship the golden image: and whoso 



376 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

falleth not down and worshippeth, shall be cast into 
the midst of a burning fiery furnace. There are cer- 
tain Jews whom thou hast appointed over the affairs 
of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and 
Abed-nego; these men, O king, have not regarded 
thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the gold- 
en image which thou hast set up." 

Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury com- 
manded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed- 
nego. Then they brought these men before the 
king. Nebuchadnezzar said unto them, "Is it of 
purpose, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, that 
ye serve not my god, nor worship the golden image 
which I have set up ? Now if ye be ready that at 
what time ye hear the sound of the music, ye fall 
down and worship the image which I have made, 
well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the 
same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace ; 
and who is that god that shall deliver you out of 
my hands ? " 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered 
and said to the king, " O Nebuchadnezzar, ^ye have 
no need to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, 
our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from 
the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out 
of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto 
thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor 
worship the golden image which thou hast set 
up." 



DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS 377 

C. DELIVERANCE FROM THE FIERY FURNACE 

Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the 
form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, 
Meshach, and Abed-nego: therefore he spake, and 
commanded that they should heat the furnace seven 
times more than it was wont to be heated. And he 
commanded certain mighty men that were in his 
army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, 
and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 
Then these men were bound in their hose, their 
tunics, and their mantles, and their other garments, 
and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery 
furnace. Therefore because the king's command- 
ment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, 
the flame of the fire slew those men that took up 
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. And these 
three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell 
down bound into the midst of the burning fiery fur- 
nace. 

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished 
and rose up in haste: he spake and said unto his 
counselors, "Did not we cast three men bound 
into the midst of the fire ?" 

They answered and said unto the king, ''True, 
O king." 

He answered and said, "Lo, I see four men 
loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have 
no hurt; and the aspect of the fourth is like a son 
of the gods." 



378 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth 
of the burning fiery furnace: he spake and said, 
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants 
of the Most High God, come forth, and come hither." 

Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came 
forth out of the midst of the fire. And the satraps, 
the deputies, and the governors, and the king's coun- 
selors, being gathered together, saw these men, that 
the fire had no power upon their bodies, nor was the 
hair of their head singed, neither were their hose 
changed, nor had the smell of fire passed on them. 

Nebuchadnezzar spake and said, "Blessed be the 
God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who 
hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that 
trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, 
and have yielded their bodies, that they might not 
serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 
Therefore I make a decree, that every people, 
nation, and language, which speak anything amiss 
against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed- 
nego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be 
made a ruin: because there is no other god that is 
able to deliver after this sort." 

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, 
and Abed-nego, in the province of Babylon. 
§100. Daniel and the Lions (Dan. 6:1-28) 
A. THE DECREE OF KING DARIUS 

It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a 
hundred and twenty satraps, which should be 



DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS 379 

throughout the whole kingdom; and over them 
three presidents, of whom Daniel was one; that these 
satraps might give account unto them, and that the 
king should have no damage. Then this Daniel 
was distinguished above the presidents and the 
satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and 
the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 

Then the presidents and the satraps sought to 
find occasion against Daniel as touching the king- 
dom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; 
forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any 
error or fault found in him. Then said these men, 
"We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, 
except we find it against him concerning the law of 
his God." 

Then these presidents and satraps assembled to- 
gether to the king, and said thus unto him, "King 
Darius, live for ever. All the presidents of the 
kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counsel- 
ors and the governors, have consulted together, to 
establish a royal statute, and to make a strong decree, 
that whosoever shall ask a petition of any god or 
man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall 
be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, estab- 
Hsh the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not 
changed, according to the law of the Medes and 
Persians, which alter eth not." 

Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the 
decree. 



380 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

B. DANIEL AT HIS PRAYERS 

And when Daniel knew that the writing was 
signed, he went into his house (now his windows 
were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem) ; and 
he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and 
prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did 
aforetime. Then these men assembled together, and 
found Daniel making petition and supplication be- 
fore his God. 

Then they came near, and spake before the king 
concerning the king's decree; " Hast thou not signed 
a decree, that every man that, shall make petition 
unto any god or man within thirty days, save 
unto thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of 
lions?" 

The king answered and said, ''The thing is true, 
according to the law of the Medes and Persians, 
which altereth not." 

Then answered they and said before the king, 
''That Daniel, which is of the children of the cap- 
tivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the 
decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition 
three times a day." 

Then the king, when he heard these words, was 
sore displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to de- 
liver him: and he labored till the going down of 
the sun to rescue him. 

Then these men assembled together unto the king 
and said unto the king, "Know, O king, that it is 



DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS 381 

a law of the Medes and Persians, that no decree nor 
statute which the king establisheth may be changed." 

C. DANIEL DELIVERED FROM THE LIONS 

Then the king commanded, and they brought 
Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now 
the king spake and said unto Daniel, ''Thy God 
whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee." 

And a stone was brought, and laid upon the 
mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his 
own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that 
nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. 

Then the king went to his palace, and passed the 
night fasting: neither were instruments of music 
brought before him: and his sleep fled from him. 
Then the king arose very early in the morning, and 
went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he 
came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a 
lamentable voice: the king spake and said to Daniel, 
'' O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, 
whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee 
from the lions ?" 

Then said Daniel unto the king, " O king, live 
for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath 
shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me: 
forasmuch as before him innocency was found in 
me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no 
hurt." 

Then was the king exceeding glad, and com- 



382 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

manded that they should take Daniel up out of the 
den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and 
no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he 
had trusted in his God. 

And the king commanded, and they brought those 
men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them 
into the den of lions, them, their children, and their 
wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and 
break all their bones in pieces, or ever they came at 
the bottom of the den. 

D. THE PROSPERITY OF DANIEL 

Then king Darius wrote unto all the peoples, 
nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; 
"Peace be multiplied unto you. I make a decree, 
that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble 
and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the 
living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom 
that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion 
shall be even unto the end: he delivereth and res- 
cueth, and he worked signs and wonders in heaven 
and in earth; who hath delivered Daniel from the 
power of the lions." 

So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, 
and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. 

THE MEANING OF THE STORY 

367. In the last chapter we studied the bitter persecution 
of the Jews in the time of Antiochus. God sent them a great 
dehverer in Judas the Hammerer. He also sent them a helper 



DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS sS^ 

who told them heroic stories of the olden time to encourage 
them to believe that God would surely deliver them. These 
stories were of Daniel and his three friends who were taken to 
Babylon in the captivity. They were under great temptation 
to be untrue to their religion. We can see how these stories 
would help the people to be faithful. 

368 (§98). In the old times the food and wine for the king's 
table would first be offered to the heathen gods, so Daniel felt 
that he would really be an idolator if he took them. What 
request did he make ? How did the master think it would be 
discovered that he had not fed them on ricl! food ? What 
test did Daniel propose ? How did it turn out ? Of course 
it was really much more healthy for the young men to live 
simply. It took some courage to stand out against the 
officer, but it was a matter of conscience with Daniel and his 
friends. 

369 (§99A). Imagine the great golden image 100 feet high. 
What was the king's command to the people ? What was to be 
the penalty if they refused to obey ? How would a faithful 
servant of the Lord feel about it ? 

370 (§99B). We do not know where Daniel was at this 
time, but what did his three friends do ? What did the king 
say to them ? What did they answer him ? Notice carefully 
that they said they were sure God could save them, but 
whether he did or not they would be faithful. God does not 
always save people from death. The noble army of martyrs 
have been faithful unto death. But God has always brought 
good out of their sufferings. 

371 (§99C). Describe the scene when these men were 
thrown into the furnace ? What did the king think he saw ? 
What did he do to the three ? What impression did it make 
on the king ? We can understand how the Jews would have 
told such a wonderful story as this to cheer those who were 
under great temptation to give up their faith. 



384 THE HEROES OF ISRAEL 

372 (§iooA). Long after, when Daniel was an old man, 
another great danger arose. He had meantime been promoted 
to the highest station. Great men always have many enemies 
who are jealous of them. All our great Americans have had 
those who envied them. What foolish thing did Daniel's 
enemies persuade the king to do ? There seems to have been 
a rule that if the king gave an order it could not be changed. 

373 (§iooB). What had been Daniel's custom regarding 
prayer ? How did he change it when he heard of the decree ? 
Would he have been wiser to pray secretly? Some of our 
soldier boys that went to the war were ashamed to kneel down 
and pray at night, but some of them were not afraid even when 
their companions jeered them. Do you remember a story like 
that in Tom Brown at Rugby? How did the king feel when 
he found that Daniel had refused to obey the decree ? Why 
could not the king pardon him ? Notice how bitterly his 
enemies insisted on the penalty. 

374 (§iooC). What did the king say to Daniel ? How did 
the king pass the night? What happened in the morning? 
What was done to his enemies ? 

375 (§iooD). What message did the king send to his people ? 
Daniel's bravery made the king respect his religion. What 
was the result of all this to Daniel ? Suppose Daniel had been 
killed by the lions, what would you think of him ? 

WRITTEN REVIEW 

Describe the great image that Nebuchadnezzar set up, and 
the commands that he gave concerning it, and the loyalty of 
the three young Hebrews to their faith. 



REVIEW 

XXXV. Se\'ex Heroic Names 



XXXV. SEVEN HEROIC NAMES 

376. The Hebrews always looked back to their 
magnificent king, whom they thought of as the 
wisest of men. What was his name ? Tell the 
story of his great building. (§79; I Kings 5:2-6.') 

377. What great prophet was the champion of 
pure religion ? Tell the story of the test at Mount 
Carmel. (§82; I Kings 18: 20-24.) 

378. King Ahah had a fine palace in Jezreel and 
Naboth had a vineyard near by. Tell the story of 
the king's covetousness. Why did Elijah inter- 
fere? (§84; I Kings 21:17-23.) 

379. Who was the prophet that followed Elijah? 
Why did we call him the healer and counselor ? 
We read a number of stories of his kindly deeds to the 
people. Tell one of them. 

380. One of Israel's heroes was a man who had 
always lived far away from Jerusalem. He had 
a high office, and would have found it more profit- 
able not to trouble himself about his countrymen. 
But he heard of their sad condition and persuaded 
the king to let him help them. Tell the story of 
Nehemiah building the wall of Jerusalem. (§91; 
Neh. 6:15, 16.) 

I Very short Scripture references are given, just enough to 
recall the story. It might be well to read these as well as to look 
at the section in the textbook. 

387 



388 HEROES OF ISRAEL 

381. Two books in the Old Testament are named 
after women. One was a foreigner who came into 
Israel, the other was the beautiful Jewess who mar- 
ried the Persian king. Who was the wicked man 
that wanted to kill all the Jews ? How did the 
queen risk her life to save her people ? (§95; Esther 

4:13-17-) 

382. We studied about one hero, whose story is 
not in the Old Testament. What did his surname 
Maccabaeus mean ? How did he deliver his people ? 

(§97-) 

383. Sometimes the noblest heroism is just to 

refuse to be frightened away from doing right. 
Who was the man who prayed three times a day 
when the king had commanded that no prayers 
should be offered except to himself. Tell the story 
of the den of lions. (§100.) 

384. Write down these seven heroic names. 
Which of them was honored as the kindly helper 
of the needy and the wise adviser of his nation in 
days of trouble ? Which was the gallant soldier 
who defeated the tyrant ? Who risked life and 
fortune to save the people ? Who started out in 
his youth to be a good judge and ruler of the people ? 
Who was loyal to his conscience at the risk of his 
life ? Who was the stern rebuker of injustice ? 
Who gave up his ease to work for his troubled 
people ? Note that there are many ways to be a hero. 



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